JP2021101910A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a game machine capable of enhancing an interest in a game.SOLUTION: A game ball passage 300 of a Pachinko game machine 1 includes: an entrance 302 that game balls flowing down a game area 3 can enter; and a discharge port 316a for discharging game balls entering from the entrance 302. The Pachinko game machine 1 changes the number of displays and positions of real reservation images HG and temporary reservation images KG according to whether game balls discharged from the discharge port 316a enter a first start pocket 401 or the like.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

The present invention relates to a gaming machine represented by a pachinko gaming machine or the like.

Conventionally, when a game ball flowing down a game area enters a ball entry means, a privilege grant determination means for determining whether or not to grant an advantageous privilege by the player, and a privilege grant determination means for the game ball to enter the ball. There is known a gaming machine provided with an identification symbol display means that starts variable display of the identification symbol when the ball enters the ball, and the identification symbol display means stops and displays the identification symbol corresponding to the result of the hit / fail judgment. (For example, Patent Document 1 and the like).

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2012-135625

However, since the above-mentioned conventional gaming machine has performed the above-mentioned production for many years, the players are getting tired of the game, and the interest of the game is declining.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine which has been created to solve the above-mentioned problems and can enhance the interest of gaming.

In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the gaming machine of the present invention is based on a ball-entry means capable of entering a game ball flowing down the game area and a player having the game ball entered the ball-entry means. A privilege granting determination means for determining whether or not to grant a privilege advantageous to the player, a privilege grant result notification means for notifying the determination result of the privilege grant determination means, and an approach in which a game ball flowing down the game area can enter. A retention means that has a mouth and a discharge port for discharging a game ball that has entered from the entrance, and retains the game ball that passes from the entrance to the discharge port, and the discharge port that is discharged from the discharge port. Based on the detection means for detecting the game ball, the reference time which is the reference time from the discharge of the game ball from the discharge port to the entry into the ball entry means, and the detection result of the detection means. The game ball determination means for determining whether or not the game ball discharged from the discharge port has entered the ball entry means, and the determination result by the privilege grant determination means for entering the ball entry means. Is a notification means that notifies the number of reserved balls, which is the number of game balls that have not been notified, and the number of staying balls, which is the number of game balls that are staying in the retention means, based on the determination result of the game ball determination means. , Equipped with.

According to the present invention, it is determined whether or not the game ball that has passed through the retention means and is discharged from the discharge port has entered the ball entry means. Then, based on the determination result, the number of reserved balls and the number of staying balls are notified. For this reason, it is possible to entertain the player with a game that has not been available in the conventional gaming machine, and it is possible to enhance the interest of the game.

It is a front view of the pachinko gaming machine which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which enlarges and shows the game board provided in the pachinko game machine shown in FIG. FIG. 5 is an enlarged explanatory view showing a game ball passage and a distribution device provided in the pachinko gaming machine shown in FIG. 1. It is a top view of the game ball passage shown in FIG. (A) and (B) are explanatory views which show the internal structure of the sorting apparatus shown in FIG. (A) to (E) are explanatory views of the present reserved image and the provisionally reserved image. It is explanatory drawing which shows the electric structure of the main control board and peripheral equipment provided in the pachinko gaming machine shown in FIG. 1 by a block. It is explanatory drawing which shows the electric structure of the sub-control board and the peripheral device provided in the pachinko gaming machine shown in FIG. 1 by a block. It is explanatory drawing which shows a part of the storage contents of the RAM provided in the main control board, (A) is explanatory drawing which shows the storage contents of the 1st special figure hold storage part, (B) is the 2nd special figure hold storage part. It is explanatory drawing which shows the memory content. (A) is an explanatory diagram of the storage contents of the RAM mounted on the game control microcomputer, (B) is an explanatory diagram of the first special figure reservation effect storage unit, and (C) is an explanation of the second special figure reservation effect storage unit. It is a figure. (A) is an explanatory diagram of the jackpot determination table, (B) is an explanatory diagram of the jackpot type determination table, and (C) is an explanatory diagram of the reach determination table. It is a flowchart of the main control processing on the main side executed by the game control microcomputer. It is a flowchart of the main side timer interrupt process which the game control microcomputer executes in the main side main control process shown in FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a sensor detection process executed by the game control microcomputer in the main timer interrupt process shown in FIG. It is a flowchart of the specific area passage detection processing executed by the game control microcomputer in the main side timer interrupt processing shown in FIG. FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a special symbol standby process executed by the game control microcomputer in the main timer interrupt process shown in FIG. FIG. 2 is a flowchart of a special figure 2 jackpot determination process executed by the game control microcomputer in the special symbol standby process shown in FIG. It is a flowchart of this hold temporary hold process which a game control microcomputer executes in the main side timer interrupt process shown in FIG. It is a figure for demonstrating the reference time. (A) and (B) are diagrams showing the relationship between the reference time and the ball entry timing. It is a flowchart of the sub-side main control process executed by the production control microcomputer. FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a reception interrupt process executed by the effect control microcomputer in the sub-side main control process shown in FIG. FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a 1 ms timer interrupt process executed by the effect control microcomputer in the sub-side main control process shown in FIG. FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a 10 ms timer interrupt process executed by the effect control microcomputer in the sub-side main control process shown in FIG. It is a flowchart of the received command analysis processing which the production control microcomputer executes in the 10ms timer interrupt processing shown in FIG. It is a flowchart of the variation effect start processing executed by the effect control microcomputer in the reception command analysis process shown in FIG. (A) to (C) are explanatory views of the present reserved image and the provisionally reserved image.

The gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the present embodiment, a pachinko gaming machine called a type 1 type 2 mixing machine will be described as a gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention. In the following description, when the direction of each part of the pachinko gaming machine is explained, the direction seen from the player who plays the game facing the pachinko gaming machine is used as a reference. Specifically, the left-right direction and the up-down direction of each part of the pachinko gaming machine are the left-right direction and the up-down direction as seen from the player. Further, the direction approaching the player is the front, and the direction away from the player is the rear.

[Main configuration of pachinko game machines]
As shown in FIG. 1, the pachinko gaming machine 1 includes a gaming machine frame 16. The gaming machine frame 16 is composed of a front frame 18, an inner frame (not shown), and an outer frame (not shown) in this order from the front side. The front frame 18 includes a handle 4, a hitting ball supply plate (also referred to as an upper plate) 24, a surplus ball receiving plate (also referred to as a lower plate) 25, an effect button 9, speakers 8 and 8, a left side lamp 23a, and the like. It is equipped with a right side lamp 23b.

The handle 4 is provided at the lower right of the front frame 18, that is, at a position where a player who plays a game facing the pachinko gaming machine 1 can hold it with his right hand. The handle 4 includes a touch switch 92 (FIG. 7), a firing lever 4a, and a firing stop button 4b. The touch switch 92 outputs a signal indicating that the player has touched the handle 4, and is arranged at a portion touched by the right hand of the player holding the handle 4. The firing lever 4a is for adjusting the firing strength of the game ball, and is rotatably provided on the handle 4. The launch stop button 4b is for stopping the launch of the game ball when the game ball is being launched, and is provided at a position that can be operated by the thumb of the right hand holding the handle 4. The hitting ball supply plate (also referred to as an upper plate) 24 is provided on the lower center side of the front frame 18. The hit ball supply plate 24 is for storing the game balls to be supplied to the launching device 90 (FIG. 7). The hit ball supply plate 24 stores the game balls paid out from the ball rental device 80 (FIG. 7) and the prize ball payout device 500 (FIG. 7). The surplus ball tray (also referred to as a lower plate) 25 is provided below the ball striking plate 24 in the front frame 18. The surplus ball tray 25 stores game balls that exceed the number that can be stored in the hit ball supply plate 24.

The effect button 9 is provided on a portion of the front frame 18 that covers the upper part of the hit ball supply plate 24. In other words, the effect button 9 is provided at a position in the front frame 18 where the player facing the pachinko gaming machine 1 can press and operate with his / her right or left hand. In the present embodiment, the effect button 9 is a push-on type button switch. The effect button 9 has a built-in effect button lamp 9c (FIG. 8) and an effect button vibration motor 9b (FIG. 8). The effect button lamp 9c lights up or blinks when the effect button 9 is pressed during the period when the effect button 9 is pressed. The surface of the effect button 9 is formed of a translucent material, and is devised so that the player can visually recognize the light emitted by the effect button lamp 9c. The effect button vibration motor 9b vibrates the effect button 9, and vibrates at a predetermined timing during a period in which the pressing operation of the effect button 9 is effective. In the present embodiment, the effect button lamp 9c is an LED.

The effect button 9 has a built-in elastic member (not shown) such as a spring for returning the pressed effect button 9 to the position before the pressing operation, and the effect button 9 releases the pressing operation state. Then, the restoring force of the elastic member returns to the state before the pressing operation. When the player presses the effect button 9 during the period in which the effect button 9 is pressed, a specific effect is performed. Hereinafter, a specific effect performed by the operation of the effect button 9 is referred to as a button effect.

Of the front frame 18, the left side lamp 23a is provided on the left side, and the right side lamp 23b is provided on the right side. The front frame 18 of the portion where the left side lamp 23a and the right side lamp 23b are provided has translucency, and a plurality of LEDs are arranged inside the translucent portion. Each LED can emit a plurality of colors, and lights or blinks according to the content of the effect, and further changes the emitted color. Speakers 8 are provided in the upper left and right corners of the front frame 18, respectively, and output sounds such as music, sound effects, and notification sounds according to the content of the production.

Further, the pachinko gaming machine 1 includes a gaming board 2, a glass plate 5, and an effect display device 7. The game board 2 is arranged at substantially the center of the game board 2, that is, at a position substantially facing the player's face. The effect display device 7 is arranged on the rear side of the game board 2, and its screen is exposed from substantially the center of the game board 2. The game board 2 includes a game ball passage 300, a distribution device 400, a first prize-winning device 30, a second prize-winning device 40, a flow-down direction adjusting member 6, a flow-down direction adjusting nail group 12, and three. A general winning opening 13, a display, a center decoration 15, and a rail member 17 are provided. The sorting device 400 is an example of the ball entry means of the present invention.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a game area 3 is formed on the surface of the game board 2 on the right side of the screen of the effect display device 7 so that the game ball can flow down (roll). The game area 3 is not formed on the left side of the effect display device 7. The pachinko gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment has a configuration in which a gaming ball is launched to the right to play a game. That is, the pachinko gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment is configured to play a game by always performing only so-called right-handed striking. A plurality of game nails 14 for changing the flow direction of the game ball are driven into the board surface of the game board 2. The front surface of the game board 2 is covered with a transparent glass plate 5. Further, although not shown in FIG. 1, LEDs are provided at a plurality of locations on the game board 2. Each of these LEDs is collectively referred to as a panel lamp (indicated by reference numeral 2a in FIG. 8). Each LED constituting the board lamp 2a can emit a plurality of colors, lights up or blinks according to the content of the effect, and further changes the emitted color. That is, the pachinko gaming machine 1 lights or blinks the left side lamp 23a, the right side lamp 23b, and the board lamp 2a according to the content of the effect during the game control, and outputs sound from each speaker 8.

The first prize-winning device 30 is arranged below the distribution device 400 in the game board 2, and the second prize-winning device 40 is arranged above the game area 3. The first prize-winning device 30 includes a first opening / closing member 31 that opens / closes the first prize opening 32, and the second prize-winning device 40 includes a second opening / closing member 41 that opens / closes the second prize opening 42. Be prepared. The first large winning opening 32 and the second large winning opening 42 are each formed to a size that allows a plurality of game balls to win (win) at the same time. In the present embodiment, the first opening / closing member 31 is formed in a plate shape long in the left-right direction, and is configured to be rotatable with the left and right lower ends as rotation axes. Further, the second opening / closing member 41 is formed in a plate shape long in the left-right direction, and is configured to be able to advance and retreat from the board surface of the game board 2. When the second opening / closing member 41 retracts backward from the board surface of the game board 2, the second large winning opening 42 opens, and when it advances forward, the second large winning opening 42 closes.

Hereinafter, when the matters common to the first prize-winning device 30 and the second prize-winning device 40 are explained, they are simply referred to as the grand prize-winning device. Further, when explaining matters common to the first large winning opening 32 and the second large winning opening 42, it is simply referred to as a large winning opening.
Inside the second prize-winning device 40, a specific area (also referred to as a V-winning area, not shown) and a non-specific area (not shown), which are areas through which the game ball winning the second prize-winning opening 42 can pass, are included. ) Is formed. The game ball that has passed through the specific area is detected by the specific area sensor 45. The second opening / closing member 41 retracts rearward from the board surface when a small hit, which will be described later, occurs, and the game ball can win a prize in the second large winning opening 42. Then, when the game ball that has won the second big winning opening 42 passes through the specific area and is detected by the specific area sensor 45, two kinds of big hits are generated.
Hereinafter, the period required from the opening of the large winning opening to the closing of the large winning opening is referred to as the opening period of the large winning opening, and the period from the opening of the large winning opening to the next opening is referred to as a round. Also, when a big hit occurs, the game from the start of the first round to the end of the final round is called a big hit game. Further, a game from the opening of the second large winning opening 42 to the closing of the small hit when a small hit occurs is called a small hit game.

The indicators 50 are provided on the left side of the game board 2. The indicators 50 include a first special symbol display 51 that variably displays the first special symbol (also referred to as special diagram 1) and a second special symbol display that variably displays the second special symbol (also referred to as special diagram 2). A second special figure that displays the number of stored operation hold of the first special symbol display 51 and the first special symbol display 51, and a second special symbol display 51a that displays the number of stored operation hold of the second special symbol display 52. It is provided with a hold indicator 52a (FIG. 7).
Hereinafter, when the matters common to the first special symbol and the second special symbol are explained, they are simply referred to as special symbols. Further, when the matters common to the first special symbol display 51 and the second special symbol display 52 are explained, it is simply referred to as a special symbol display. Each special symbol display is composed of a plurality of LEDs. Each LED constituting each special symbol display is lit in a predetermined lighting pattern, and the combination of the lit LED and the extinguished LED represents a special symbol, and the lit LED and the extinguished LED are turned off. The state in which the combination of the LEDs is changing represents the variation display of the special symbol. Hereinafter, the fluctuation pattern of the special symbol from the start of the fluctuation display of the special symbol to the final display of the special symbol is referred to as a special symbol fluctuation pattern.

When the game ball wins a prize in the first starting port 401 (FIG. 5) provided in the distribution device 400, the first special symbol display 51 fluctuates and displays the first special symbol. Further, when the game ball wins the first starting port 401 while the first special symbol display 51 is displaying the first special symbol in a variable manner, the first special symbol display 51 that triggers the winning is The operation is suspended, and the number of stored devices indicating the number of operation suspensions is displayed by the first special figure hold indicator 51a. Hereinafter, the number of stored operation hold of the first special symbol display 51 is referred to as the first special symbol hold number.
Further, when the game ball wins a prize in the second starting port 402 (FIG. 5) provided in the distribution device 400, the second special symbol display 52 variablely displays the second special symbol. Further, when the game ball wins the second starting port 402 while the second special symbol display 52 is variablely displaying the second special symbol, the second special symbol display 52 that triggers the winning is The operation is suspended, and the storage number indicating the number of the operation suspension is displayed by the second special figure hold indicator 52a. Hereinafter, the number of stored operation hold of the second special symbol display 52 is referred to as the second special symbol hold number. In addition, when explaining matters common to the first special figure reservation number and the second special figure reservation number, it is simply referred to as the special figure reservation number. The first starting port 401 and the second starting port 402 are examples of the ball entry means of the present invention. The first special figure reservation number and the second special figure reservation number are examples of the number of reserved balls of the present invention.
Hereinafter, the period from when the special symbol display starts the variable display of the special symbol to the final display of the special symbol is referred to as one fluctuation of the special symbol. Further, each time the special symbol is changed once, the number of reserved special symbols decreases by one, which is called digestion of the number of reserved special symbols.

Further, when the game ball wins the first starting port 401 (FIG. 5) provided in the distribution device 400, for example, a big hit determination (also referred to as a big hit lottery) for determining whether it is a big hit, a small hit, or a loss is made. Will be executed. Then, the first special symbol display 51 confirms and displays the first special symbol corresponding to the result of the jackpot determination after a predetermined time has elapsed from the start of the variable display of the first special symbol. Here, if the confirmedly displayed first special symbol is a special symbol indicating a big hit, the first big winning opening 32 opens and closes. As the type of one-type jackpot according to the special figure 1, a plurality of types having different maximum number of rounds are set (FIG. 11 (B)).
When a small hit is determined in the big hit determination, the second opening / closing member 41 retracts from the board surface and the second big winning opening 42 opens. In the pachinko gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, the second major winning opening 42 opens and closes only in the first round (first round), and the game ball that has won the second major winning opening 42 wins a specific area (V winning). Then, two kinds of big hits occur, and the first big winning opening 32 opens and closes from the second round to the final round. In the present embodiment, the probability that the game ball that has won the second major winning opening 42 passes through the specific area is set to 100%. The probability that the game ball that has won the second major winning opening 42 passes through the specific area may be less than 100% (for example, 10%).

Further, when the game ball wins a prize in the second starting port 402 (FIG. 5) provided in the distribution device 400, it is determined whether the game ball is a big hit, a small hit, or a loss, as in the case of the first starting port 401, for example. A jackpot judgment (also called a jackpot lottery) is executed. The determination contents of the first starting port 401 and the second starting port 402 may be different. Then, the second special symbol display 52 confirmably displays the second special symbol corresponding to the result of the jackpot determination after a predetermined time has elapsed from the start of the variable display of the second special symbol. Here, if the second special symbol that is confirmed and displayed is a special symbol indicating a jackpot, a type 1 jackpot occurs, and the first jackpot 32 opens and closes as in the case of the special figure 1.
Further, when it is determined as a small hit in the big hit determination, the second opening / closing member 41 retracts from the board surface and the second big winning opening 42 opens, as in the case of the special figure 1. In the pachinko gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, the second major winning opening 42 opens and closes only in the first round (first round), and the game ball that wins the second major winning opening 42 wins a specific area (V winning). Then, two kinds of big hits occur, and the first big winning opening 32 opens and closes from the second round to the final round. Therefore, in the present embodiment, there is a possibility that a type 1 jackpot or a type 2 jackpot may occur at both the first starting port 401 and the second starting port 402.

Further, in the pachinko gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, the probability of being determined as a jackpot in the jackpot determination (hereinafter referred to as the jackpot probability) is basically fixed, and the high probability state in which the jackpot probability is higher than usual is It does not exist in this model. Further, the pachinko gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment does not have a time saving function for shortening the fluctuation time of the special symbol. Furthermore, since it is not equipped with a normal symbol display and a normal electric accessory (electric chew), there is a so-called electric support that suppresses the decrease in the number of balls held by opening the ordinary electric accessory (electric chew) frequently. do not.

The flow direction adjusting member 6 is arranged in the game area 3 above the second opening / closing member 41, and changes the flow direction of the game ball flowing down toward the second winning opening 42. The flow direction adjusting nail group 12 is composed of a plurality of game nails 14, and changes the flow direction of the game ball flowing down toward the entrance 302 of the game ball passage 300.
The three general winning openings 13 are arranged below the game area 3. The rail member 17 is arranged along the periphery of the game board 2. The rail member 17 guides the game ball launched by the launching device 90 (FIG. 7) to the game area 3. An out port 19 for discharging a game ball that has not won a prize anywhere is opened in the lower center of the game board 2. The center decoration body 15 is arranged at the upper part of the game board 2. The center decorative body 15 has translucency, and a plurality of LEDs that light up and blink according to the content of the effect are provided inside the center decorative body 15.

(Game ball passage)
As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the game ball passage 300 includes a guide member 301, a retention member 310, a discharge member 316, an approach sensor 315, and a discharge sensor 317. The guide member 301 serves to guide the game ball flowing down the game area 3 to the retention member 310. The guide member 301 is formed in a horizontally long gutter shape with both ends open. At the right end of the guide member 301, an entrance 302 through which a game ball flowing down the game area 3 can enter is formed, and the exit 303 at the left end of the opening is connected to the retention member 310 (FIG. 4). .. The guide member 301 is inclined to the left from the entrance 302, and the game ball P that has entered from the entrance 302 rolls and is guided to the retention member 310. The width of the front and rear of the inner wall forming the guide member 301 is the width through which one game ball P can pass.

The retention member 310 is a member that retains the game ball P guided by the guide member 301 for a predetermined time, and is also called a crune. The retention member 310 includes a peripheral wall 311, a bottom wall 312, and an upper wall 313. As shown in FIG. 4, the retention member 310 is formed in a substantially elliptical shape in a plan view. FIG. 4 shows a state in which the upper wall 313 is removed. At the center of the bottom wall 312, a flow-down port 314 for allowing the game ball P staying in the retention member 310 to flow down to the discharge member 316 (FIG. 3) is formed through. The flow-down port 314 has a size that allows the game balls P to flow down one by one. The upper surface of the bottom wall 312 is formed with a downward slope from the peripheral edge thereof toward the peripheral edge of the flow port 314. A peripheral wall 311 stands from the peripheral edge of the bottom wall 312. The peripheral wall 311 has a role of preventing the game ball P rolling on the upper surface of the bottom wall 312 from leaking to the outside of the retention member 310 and rolling the rolling game ball P along the inner wall surface of the peripheral wall 311. To do. In the present embodiment, the guide member 301 and the retention member 310 each have translucency, and the game ball P that has entered from the entrance 302 passes through the guide member 301 and stays in the retention member 310. It is configured to be visible. The retention member 310 may not be provided with the upper wall 313.

The discharge member 316 is a member that discharges the game ball P that has flowed down from the flow-down port 314 of the retention member 310 to the distribution device 400 (FIG. 3). The discharge member 316 communicates with the drain port 314. The discharge member 316 projects forward from the board surface, and a discharge port 316a for discharging the game ball P flowing down from the flow port 314 to the discharge member 316 is formed on the lower surface of the front end thereof. A discharge sensor 317 for detecting the game ball P discharged from the discharge port 316a is provided between the flow port 314 and the discharge port 316a (FIG. 3). The discharge sensor 317 is an example of the detection means of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 5A, an entry port 407 into which the game ball P can enter is opened in the upper part of the distribution device 400. The game ball P discharged from the discharge port 316a has a high probability of falling along the discharge direction 318 and enters the ball entry port 407 of the distribution device 400. A nailless area 319 in which the guide nail 20 is not provided is provided in the flow path of the game ball P from the discharge port 316a to the flow down to the ball entry port 407 along the discharge direction 318 (FIG. 5 (A). ) Refer to the area indicated by the broken line).

Further, in the game area 3 between the discharge port 316a and the ball entry port 407, the game balls P discharged from the discharge port 316a and flowing down from the discharge direction 318 are provided on both sides of the nailless area 319 in the left-right direction. A pair of guide nails 20 for guiding to the ball entry port 407 are provided. In other words, the discharge port 316a is arranged at a position moved upward along the discharge direction 318 from the nailless area 319 provided between the pair of guide nails 20.

The width between the guide nails 20 is wider than the width of the life nail forming a general starting port (navel), and the game ball P discharged from the discharge port 316a has a probability of approximately 100%. Enter the ball at 407. The game ball P that has entered from the entrance 302 is discharged from the discharge port 316a after staying in the retention member 310 for a predetermined time. That is, the retention member 310 plays a role of delaying the time from when the game ball P enters from the entrance 302 to when it is discharged from the discharge port 316a.

Further, as shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, the approach sensor 315 is a sensor that detects the game ball P that has entered from the entrance 302, and is arranged between the entrance 302 and the exit 303. The detection signal when the approach sensor 315 detects the game ball P is output to the main control board 60 (FIG. 7), and the game control microcomputer 61 enters from the entrance 302 based on the input detection signal. The number of approaches, which is the number of balls P, is counted. The detection signal when the discharge sensor 317 detects the game ball P is output to the main control board 60 (FIG. 7), and the game control microcomputer 61 is discharged from the discharge port 316a based on the input detection signal. The number of discharges, which is the number of game balls P, is counted. That is, the game control microcomputer 61 is based on the number of game balls P existing between the approach sensor 315 and the discharge sensor 317 (retaining in the game ball passage 300) by subtracting the number of discharges from the counted number of approaches. Calculate a certain number of stays. For example, if the number of intrusions is 5 and the number of discharges is 2, the number of stays is 3 (= 5-2).

(Distributor)
As shown in FIG. 5, the distribution device 400 includes a housing 408, and a ball entry port 407 is formed on the upper surface of the housing 408. Inside the housing 408, a first starting port 401, a second starting port 402, flow-down ports 403, 404, 405, and a distribution member 406 are provided. The first starting port 401 is arranged to the left of the second starting port 402, and the flow-down port 403 is arranged between the first starting port 401 and the second starting port 402. A flow-down port 404 is arranged on the left side of the first starting port 401, and a flow-down port 405 is arranged on the right side of the second starting port 402.

A distribution member 406 is provided between the ball entry port 407 and the flow-down port 403. The distribution member 406 is a member for distributing the game ball P that has entered from the ball entry port 407 to any one of the first start port 401, the second start port 402, and the flow down port 403 to 405. The distribution member 406 is configured to be rotatable in the right direction and the left direction. The distribution member 406 alternately distributes the game ball P entered from the ball entry port 407 into the direction of the first start port 401 and the direction of the second start port 402. For example, when the game ball P entered from the entry port 407 is distributed to the first start port 401, the next game ball P is distributed to the second start port 402.
In the present embodiment, in the distribution device 400, the game balls P distributed by the distribution member 406 are distributed to the first start port 401 or the second start port 402 with a high probability, and are distributed to the flow-down ports 403 to 405. Is configured to be low.

The game ball P winning the first starting port 401 is detected by the first starting port sensor 401a (FIG. 7), and the detection signal is output to the main control board 60. The game control microcomputer 61 determines that the game ball P has won the first start port 401 based on the detection signal output from the first start port sensor 401a, and determines that the first special symbol display 51 is the first special. The symbols are displayed in a variable manner, and a predetermined number of prize balls are paid out by the prize ball payout device 500 (FIG. 7).
Further, the game ball P winning the second starting port 402 is detected by the second starting port sensor 402a (FIG. 7), and the detection signal is output to the main control board 60. The game control microcomputer 61 determines that the game ball P has won the second start port 402 based on the detection signal output from the second start port sensor 402a, and determines that the second special symbol display 52 has a second special. The symbols are displayed in a variable manner, and a predetermined number of prize balls are paid out by the prize ball payout device 500 (FIG. 7). The game ball P that has entered the flow-down ports 403 to 405 is discharged, for example, through the same route as the out port 19. The first start port sensor 401a and the second start port sensor 402a are examples of the second detection means of the present invention.

The effect display device 7 displays moving images such as effect images, message images, pre-reading notice images, and demonstration images, and still images. The player plays the game while viewing those images from the front of the pachinko gaming machine 1. The effect display device 7 displays the effect symbol as the effect image in a variable manner in synchronization with the variable display of the special symbol. In the present embodiment, the effect symbol is a symbol representing an arithmetic number (for example, 1 to 9). In addition, the effect symbol may include a symbol representing a non-numeric character such as an alphabet or a special character, or may be combined with a symbol representing a non-numeric character. In the present embodiment, the left effect symbol display area, the middle effect symbol display area, and the right effect symbol display area are set in order from the left as the area in which the effect display device 7 variablely displays the effect symbol. The left effect symbol 9L is displayed in the left effect symbol display area, the middle effect symbol 9C is displayed in the middle effect symbol display area, and the right effect symbol 9R is displayed in the right effect symbol display area (FIG. 2). Hereinafter, when items common to the left effect symbol display area, the middle effect symbol display area, and the right effect symbol display area are described, they are simply referred to as the effect symbol display area.

In the present embodiment, the main variation pattern (variation mode) of each effect symbol is a variation pattern that moves from the top to the bottom of the screen so that the numbers represented by the effect symbols are in ascending order, that is, a variation pattern that scrolls in the vertical direction. Is. As the variation pattern, a side-scrolling method in which the effect symbols move from one of the left and right sides of the screen to the other, a method in which the effect symbols are displayed in ascending order of numbers at the same display position, and the like can also be used. Further, the effect display device 7 displays a background image as an effect image on the background of each effect symbol. For example, the background image is a moving image of a TV drama or a movie, a moving image obtained by animating the moving image, an animation, a moving image original to a pachinko machine maker, or the like. In the present embodiment, the effect display device 7 is a liquid crystal display device. As the effect display device 7, an organic EL display device, a display device using a dot matrix LED, or the like can also be used.
The effect display device 7 displays each effect symbol in a variable manner in synchronization with the variable display of the special symbol, and at the same time the special symbol is confirmed and displayed, each effect symbol is confirmed and displayed, and the jackpot determination result is displayed. Here, the final display is a stop display state in which the effect symbol is completely stopped without shaking up and down or re-changing.

Hereinafter, the effect symbol indicating that the result of the jackpot judgment is a jackpot is referred to as a jackpot effect symbol, and the effect symbol indicating that the result of the jackpot determination is a small hit is referred to as a small hit effect symbol, and the result of the jackpot determination The production design that indicates that was lost is called the loss production design. In the present embodiment, the jackpot effect symbol or the small hit effect symbol is a state in which each effect symbol is aligned with the effect symbols representing the same number, that is, a so-called doublet state. For example, a jackpot effect symbol is a state in which the confirmedly displayed left effect symbol 9L, middle effect symbol 9C, and right effect symbol 9R are aligned with the same odd number of effect symbols. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the jackpot effect symbol "7, 7, 7" in which each effect symbol is aligned with "7" is confirmed and displayed. Further, for example, the small hit effect symbol is a state in which each effect symbol is aligned with an even number of effect symbols. Further, the lost effect symbol is a symbol in a state in which each effect symbol represents the same number and is not aligned, that is, a state in which the numbers are not doublet. For example, the confirmed display of the left effect symbol 9L is "7", the middle effect symbol 9C is "6", and the right effect symbol 9R is "7".
Hereinafter, the effect symbol that the effect display device 7 variablely displays in synchronization with the special symbol is referred to as a variable effect pattern, and the image displayed in the background of the variable effect pattern is referred to as a background image. The background image is a still image or a moving image.

(Hold image)
The variation effect pattern is displayed in a variable manner in synchronization with the variation display of the special symbol variation pattern, and when the variation of the special symbol is suspended, the variation of the effect symbol is also suspended. That is, the number of reserved special figures and the number of reserved changes in the effect symbols match.
As shown in FIG. 2, the pachinko gaming machine 1 displays the present hold image HG on the screen of the effect display device 7 as an image showing the number of special figure hold, and represents the number of temporary hold (hereinafter, referred to as the number of temporary hold). The temporary hold image KG is displayed on the screen of the effect display device 7 as an image. The reserved image HG displays the total number of special figure reservations, which is the total number of the first special figure reservation number and the second special figure reservation number. The number of the reserved images HG indicates the total number of reserved images. Hereinafter, the total number of special figure reservations will be referred to as the number of reservations. In the present embodiment, the upper limit of the number of holdings, which is the upper limit of the number of holdings, is eight. This pending upper limit is an example of a predetermined upper limit of the present invention. In the example shown in FIG. 2, four main reserved images HG and four temporary reserved images KG are displayed. In the illustrated example, the present reserved image HG is an image representing a circle (circle), and the temporary reserved image KG is an image in which a question mark (?) Is displayed in a square (quadrangle).

Temporary hold means, for example, a hold that is likely to be promoted to full hold in the future. The provisional hold number is, for example, the number of balls representing all or part of the number of stays in the game ball passage 300. Specifically, the value obtained by subtracting the current number of reservations from the maximum number of reservations, which is the maximum number of reservations, is set as the upper limit of the number of provisional reservations. For example, if the maximum number of reserved images is 8 and the current maximum number of pending images is 3, 5 (= 8-3) is set as the maximum number of temporary reservations, and the temporary hold image KG The number of displays is displayed within the range of the upper limit of the provisional hold. For example, in the pachinko gaming machine 1, when the number of stays is equal to or less than the upper limit of temporary hold, the current number of stays is set as the number of temporary hold. Specifically, when the upper limit of the number of temporary holdings is 4, and the number of stays is 3, 3 temporary holding images KG are displayed on the screen of the effect display device 7.

Further, in the pachinko gaming machine 1, when the number of stays is larger than the upper limit of temporary holding, the number obtained by subtracting the upper limit of temporary holding from the number of stays is set as the remaining number of stays. That is, when the total number of balls held and the number of stays exceeds a predetermined upper limit (for example, 8), the pachinko gaming machine 1 retains the number of balls obtained by subtracting the upper limit from the total number of balls. Set as the number of stays. The pachinko gaming machine 1 displays the remaining number of stays on the screen of the effect display device 7. The remaining number of stays is the number of remaining balls that are not included in the provisional hold number among the number of stays staying in the game ball passage 300. In the example shown in FIG. 2, an image showing the remaining residence number (hereinafter, referred to as a residual residence number image) SG is displayed on the screen of the effect display device 7. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the residual residence number image SG indicating that the residual residence number is three is displayed on the screen of the effect display device 7. In this case, seven game balls are retained in the game ball passage 300. That is, the number of stays is 7. Four temporary hold images KG are displayed, and the number 3 obtained by subtracting the number of temporary hold images KG (4 temporary hold images) from the number of stays (7) is displayed as the remaining number image SG. Further, in the illustrated example, the moving image DG that animates the appearance of the game ball P orbiting on the staying member 310 is displayed as a background on the upper part of the remaining staying number image SG together with the remaining staying number image SG. There is. As described above, the pachinko gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment shows the number of temporary holdings by displaying the same number of temporary holding images KG as the number of temporary holdings, and also temporarily holds the remaining number of remaining images SG indicating the number of remaining stays. The number of residual residences is shown by displaying the image in a display mode different from that of the image KG.
By looking at the number indicated by the remaining stay number image SG, the player can know the number of game balls P that stay in the game ball passage 300 and may change to temporary hold in the future. The number of provisional holds is a number that is likely to be promoted (changed) to full hold in the future. On the other hand, the remaining number of stays is a value obtained by subtracting the number of temporary holds from the number of stays and is not counted as the number of temporary hold. Therefore, when the number of temporary hold reaches the upper limit of the number of temporary hold (this hold). When the total of the number and the number of temporary holdings reaches the upper limit of the number of holdings), when the game ball P staying in the game ball passage 300 is discharged from the discharge port 316a, it is a numerical value that simply decreases. Therefore, compared to the number of temporary holds, it is unlikely to be promoted (changed) to the main hold. The provisional retention number and the residual retention number are examples of the retention number of the present invention. The reserved number is an example of the reserved ball number of the present invention.

Here, an example of how the reserved image HG and the temporary reserved image KG change will be described with reference to FIG.
The screen of the effect display device 7 is provided with a temporary hold image display area DE1 for displaying the temporary hold image KG and a main hold image display area DE2 for displaying the main hold image HG. The reserved image HG is displayed in the reserved image display area DE2 in order from the left end to the right in the order in which the special figure reservation is generated. The book hold image HG displayed at the left end is the image corresponding to the oldest special figure hold in time, and the book hold image HG displayed at the right end is the image corresponding to the newest special figure hold in time. is there.

The temporary hold image KG is displayed in the temporary hold image display area DE1 in order from the left end to the right in the order in which the temporary hold occurs. The temporary hold image KG displayed at the left end is, for example, an image corresponding to the game ball having the oldest time to enter the entrance 302 of the game ball passage 300, and the temporary hold image KG displayed at the right end is the entrance. This is an image corresponding to the newest game ball when the player enters 302.

For example, the main reserved image HG and each temporary reserved image KG are displayed at positions shifted from each other in the left-right direction. In the illustrated example, the right end of the main hold image HG is the left end of the temporary hold image KG. More specifically, in the reserved image display area DE2, the positions for displaying the eight reserved image HGs along the left-right direction are set at equal intervals. Further, in the temporary hold image display area DE1, eight positions for displaying the temporary hold image KG are set immediately above each of the positions for displaying the main hold image HG in the main hold image display area DE2. The temporary hold image display area DE1 can display a maximum of eight temporary hold images KG when the number of hold images is 0. In addition, the reserved image display area DE2 can display up to eight reserved images HG. Further, the temporary hold image KG is, for example, a hidden (displayed when the next ball is entered) book hold to the right of one of the rightmost book hold image HG among the plurality of book hold image HGs being displayed. It is displayed from the position directly above the image HG (the circle of the broken line in FIG. 6 (A)) toward the right. The display format shown in FIG. 6 is an example.

In the example shown in FIG. 6A, four reserved images HG are displayed in the reserved image display area DE2, and four temporary reserved images KG are displayed in the temporary reserved image display area DE1. That is, it means that the number of present reservations is four and the number of provisional reservations is four. Further, the residual stay number image SG shows that the residual stay number is three. That is, the total number of stays in the game ball passage 300 is 7, and 4 of them are assigned to the temporary hold number, and the remaining 3 are not assigned to the temporary hold number. When the game ball P enters from the entrance 302 in this state, the number of temporary holdings has reached the upper limit of the number of temporary holdings. It increases to 6 ...

Then, when one special figure hold is digested, for example, among the four book hold image HGs, the oldest leftmost book hold image HG disappears, and the remaining three book hold images HG disappear, as shown in FIG. 6 (B). The reserved image HG shifts to the left. In addition, the four temporarily reserved images KG being displayed are shifted to the left in accordance with the movement of the main reserved image HG. Further, since a new display area of the temporary hold image KG is formed at the right end of the temporary hold image display area DE1 by moving the temporary hold image KG, a new temporary hold image KG is displayed in that area (FIG. 6 (B). ) Temporarily reserved image KG circled with a broken line). This new temporary hold image KG corresponds to, for example, the temporary hold with the oldest entry into the game ball passage 300 among the hidden temporary holds. Further, in order to increase the number of temporarily reserved images KG to 5, the number of remaining staying number images SG is subtracted to 2. The process of changing the display of the present hold image HG, the temporary hold image KG, and the remaining stay number image SG may be executed at the same time or may be executed at different timings.

Further, in the state shown in FIG. 6A, when the game ball P staying in the game ball passage 300 is discharged from the discharge port 316a (FIG. 3) and wins a prize in the first start port 401 or the second start port 402. , As shown in FIG. 6C, the oldest left temporary hold image KG among the four temporary hold images KG is erased, and directly below the erased temporary hold image KG, that is, at the right end of the main hold image HG. A new reserved image HG is displayed (see the arrow in FIG. 6C). By this effect, the player can imagine that the temporary hold image KG at the left end is promoted (changed) to the main hold image HG at the right end. The timing of erasing the temporary hold image KG and the timing of newly displaying the present hold image HG do not have to be simultaneous. In this case, since the temporary hold image KG (temporary hold number) decreases and the stay number decreases, the remaining stay number image SG is subtracted by 2.

Here, as shown in FIG. 5B, the discharge port 316a of the discharge member 316 and the ball entry port 407 of the distribution device 400 are provided at positions separated from each other. Therefore, as shown by the arrow 410 in FIG. 5B, a game ball different from the game ball discharged from the discharge port 316a, for example, a game ball that has hit the guide nail 20 on the right side and has flowed down into the ball entry port 407. There is a possibility of entering the ball. In this case, the number of stays does not change, but the number of reservations is likely to increase. In the pachinko gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, in the state shown in FIG. 6 (A), game balls other than the game balls discharged from the discharge port 316a as shown by the arrow 410 in FIG. 5 (B) enter the ball entry port 407. When the ball is entered and the first starting port 401 or the second starting port 402 is won, a new holding image HG is displayed at the rightmost end of the holding image HG as shown in FIG. 6 (D). Further, the pachinko gaming machine 1 shifts the position of the temporary hold image KG to the right according to the position of the newly displayed main hold image HG. Since the number of the temporary hold image HG has increased by one and the number of the temporary hold image KG has increased by one from the upper limit of the temporary hold image, the pachinko gaming machine 1 erases, for example, the rightmost temporary hold image KG and temporarily holds the image KG. To three. Further, the pachinko gaming machine 1 increases the number of remaining staying number images SG by one.

Further, as shown by arrow 411 in FIG. 5B, when the game ball P discharged from the discharge port 316a flows down to the outside of the guide nail 20 without entering the ball entry port 407, the number of books on hold is reached. Does not change, but the number of stays decreases. Alternatively, as shown by arrow 413 in FIG. 5B, the game ball P discharged from the discharge port 316a and entering the ball entry port 407 does not enter the first start port 401 or the second start port 402. Even when the ball enters the flow-down ports 403 to 405, the number of holdings does not change, but the number of stays decreases. In the pachinko gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, in the state shown in FIG. 6 (A), for example, the game ball discharged from the discharge port 316a as shown by the arrow 411 in FIG. 5 (B) enters the ball entry port 407. As shown in FIG. 6 (E), the oldest leftmost temporary hold image KG of the displayed four temporary hold images KG is erased, and the remaining three temporary hold image KGs are moved to the left. shift. In addition, the pachinko gaming machine 1 adds a new temporary hold image KG to the right end. Since the temporary hold image KG is increased by one, the pachinko gaming machine 1 reduces the remaining stay number image SG by one.

As described above, the pachinko gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment has the present hold image HG and the provisional hold image KG based on the game ball that has entered the ball entry port 407 from the discharge port 316a and the other game balls. , Change the display of the remaining stay number image SG. The pachinko gaming machine 1 determines the identity between the game ball discharged from the discharge port 316a and the game ball that has entered the first start port 401 or the second start port 402, and executes a display change process. .. Details of the method for determining the game ball and the like will be described later.

Further, the content of the display change processing described above is an example. For example, when the same image is used as the main hold image HG or the temporary hold image KG, or when the image once displayed is not changed, the position where the image disappears without shifting the main hold image HG or the temporary hold image KG, etc. A new image may be displayed. Specifically, for example, in the case of (B) of FIG. 6, the leftmost end of the temporary hold image KG (directly above the position where the main hold image HG is erased) without shifting the temporary hold image KG to the left. ) May display a new temporary hold image KG.

[Main electrical components of pachinko machines]
Next, the main electrical configuration of the pachinko gaming machine 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8.
The pachinko gaming machine 1 includes a main control board 60 (FIG. 7), a payout control board 73 (FIG. 7), a sub control board 100 (FIG. 8), an image control board 200 (FIG. 8), and a lamp control board 79. (FIG. 8) and a voice control board 78 (FIG. 8) are provided.

As shown in FIG. 7, a game control one-chip microcomputer (hereinafter referred to as a game control microcomputer) 61 is mounted on the main control board 60. The game control microcomputer 61 includes a CPU 62, a ROM 63, a RAM 64, and an input / output circuit 65. The CPU 62 executes winning detection, jackpot determination, updating of various random numbers, setting and changing of jackpot probability, and the like. The ROM 63 includes a computer program executed by the CPU 62, a jackpot determination table TA1 (FIG. 11 (A)), a jackpot type determination table TA2 (FIG. 11 (B)), a reach determination table TA3 (FIG. 11 (C)), and a special figure. Various tables such as a variation pattern selection table (not shown) are stored. The game control microcomputer 61 generates random numbers used in various determinations (lottery) such as jackpot random numbers, jackpot type random numbers, reach random numbers, and fluctuation pattern random numbers.

The RAM 64 is used as a work memory or the like when the CPU 62 executes a computer program. Further, the RAM 64 is provided with a first special figure holding storage unit 64a and a second special figure holding storage unit 64b. As shown in FIG. 9A, the first special figure reservation storage unit 64a includes first to fourth storage areas. That is, the maximum number of first special figure reservations that can be stored is four. In each storage area, a jackpot random number, a jackpot type random number, a reach random number, and a fluctuation pattern random number acquired by the game control microcomputer 61 due to the game ball winning a prize in the first starting port 401 (FIG. 5) are stored. To. When the game ball wins the first starting port 401 (FIG. 5) while the first special symbol display 51 (FIG. 7) is displaying the first special symbol in a variable manner, the first special due to the winning. The variable display of the symbol is temporarily suspended (operation suspended), and the jackpot random number or the like acquired due to the winning is stored in the first special symbol reserved storage unit 64a. Further, when the game ball wins the first starting port 401 while the first special symbol display 51 is displaying the first special symbol in a variable manner, the right to make a jackpot determination based on the winning is reserved. Therefore, the first special figure reservation storage unit 64a plays a role of storing the reservation of the right to perform the jackpot determination up to a predetermined upper limit.

As shown in FIG. 9B, the second special figure reservation storage unit 64b includes the first to fourth storage areas. That is, the maximum number of second special figure reservations that can be stored is four. In each storage area, a jackpot random number, a jackpot type random number, a reach random number, and a fluctuation pattern random number acquired by the game control microcomputer 61 due to the game ball winning a prize in the second starting port 402 (FIG. 5) are stored. To. When the game ball wins the second starting port 402 (FIG. 5) while the second special symbol display 52 (FIG. 7) is displaying the second special symbol in a variable manner, the second special due to the winning. The variable display of the symbol is temporarily suspended (operation suspended), and the jackpot random number or the like acquired due to the winning is stored in the second special symbol reserved storage unit 64b. Further, when the game ball wins the second starting port 402 while the second special symbol display 52 is displaying the second special symbol in a variable manner, the right to make a jackpot determination based on the winning is reserved. Therefore, the second special figure reservation storage unit 64b plays a role of storing the reservation of the right to perform the jackpot determination up to a predetermined upper limit.

The jackpot random numbers and the like are stored in order from the first storage areas of the first special figure reservation storage unit 64a and the second special figure reservation storage unit 64b in the order of occurrence of the operation hold, that is, the acquisition order by the game control microcomputer 61. Therefore, when the jackpot random numbers and the like are stored in the first to fourth storage areas, the jackpot random numbers and the like stored in the fourth storage area are the newest information in time and are stored in the first storage area. The jackpot random numbers that are given are the oldest information in terms of time. The jackpot random numbers and the like stored in each storage area are shifted one by one to the older storage area in the order of storage each time the variable display of the special symbol ends once. For example, the jackpot random number stored in the second storage area shifts to the first storage area. Further, the determination (lottery) based on the jackpot random number stored in the first storage area is executed before the variation display of the special symbol by the special symbol display ends and the next variation display starts.

Further, the RAM clear switch 66 and the probability setting switch 67 are mounted on the main control board 60. When the pachinko gaming machine 1 is started with the RAM clear switch 66 pressed, the RAM 64 and the RAM 120 (FIG. 8) of the sub-control board 100 are initialized. The probability setting switch 67 is a switch for setting the jackpot probability, and is configured so that the jackpot probability can be selected from a plurality of stages from a low probability to a high probability. For example, the jackpot probability including both small hits and jackpots is about 1/164, as described above. The jackpot establishment is set to 1/164, 1/154, 1/144, 1/134, 1/124, 1/114, and 1/164 to 6 stages, and the probability setting switch 67 is operated. This makes it possible to select a predetermined stage and set the jackpot probability of the selected stage. For example, in the determination table TA1 shown in FIG. 11A, the jackpot random numbers (200 to 399 in the illustrated example) determined to be jackpots are increased to change the jackpot probability according to the operation of the probability setting switch 67. Further, the indicators 50 are electrically connected to the main control board 60. Further, the main control board 60 is specified as the first start port sensor 401a, the second start port sensor 402a, the first special winning opening sensor 33, and the second large winning opening sensor 43 via the relay board 74. The area sensor 45, the non-specific area sensor 46, the three general winning opening sensors 13a, the first special winning opening solenoid 37, and the second special winning opening solenoid 47 are electrically connected.

The first starting port sensor 401a is provided directly below the first starting port 401 (FIG. 5), and outputs a signal indicating that the game ball has won the first starting port 401 to the main control board 60. The second starting port sensor 402a is provided directly below the second starting port 402 (FIG. 5), and outputs a signal indicating that the game ball has won the second starting port 402 to the main control board 60. The first large winning opening sensor 33 is provided directly below the first large winning opening 32 (FIG. 2), and outputs a signal indicating that the game ball has won the first large winning opening 32 to the main control board 60. To do. The second large winning opening sensor 43 is provided directly below the second large winning opening 42 (FIG. 2), and outputs a signal indicating that the game ball has won the second large winning opening 42 to the main control board 60. To do. The specific area sensor 45 is provided in a specific area inside the second large winning opening 42 (FIG. 2), and outputs a signal indicating that the game ball has passed through the specific area to the main control board 60. The non-specific area sensor 46 is provided in a non-specific area inside the second large winning opening 42 (FIG. 2), and outputs a signal indicating that the game ball has passed through the non-specific area to the main control board 60. .. Each general winning opening sensor 13a is provided directly below the general winning opening 13 (FIG. 2), and outputs a signal indicating that the game ball has won the general winning opening 13 to the main control board 60, respectively.

Further, the entry sensor 315 and the discharge sensor 317 are electrically connected to the main control board 60 via the relay board 74. The approach sensor 315 outputs, for example, a signal indicating that the game ball has passed the entrance 302 (FIG. 3) to the main control board 60. The discharge sensor 317 outputs, for example, a signal indicating that the game ball has passed through the discharge port 316a (FIG. 3) to the main control board 60.

Further, the ball lending device 80, the card unit 76, and the prize ball payout device 500 are electrically connected to the main control board 60 via the payout control board 73. The card unit 76 is provided adjacent to the pachinko gaming machine 1, and reads or writes the balance on the prepaid card. The ball lending device 80 includes a ball lending motor 81 and a ball lending sensor 82. The ball lending motor 81 drives a member for paying out the game ball as a lending ball, and the ball lending sensor 82 mainly controls a signal indicating that the game ball has been paid out by the member via the payout control board 73. Output to the board 60. The game control microcomputer 61 counts the number of balls rented by the ball renting device 80 based on the signal output from the payout control board 73. When the ball lending button (not shown) is operated when the balance equal to or greater than the minimum balance that can be paid out is recorded on the prepaid card inserted in the card unit 76, the ball lending device 80 is activated and the ball lending device 80 is activated. The minimum number of units of rented balls is paid out to the hit ball supply plate 24 (FIG. 1).

The prize ball payout device 500 includes a prize ball motor 501 and a prize ball sensor 502. The prize ball motor 501 drives a member that pays out the game ball as the prize ball, and the prize ball sensor 502 mainly controls a signal indicating that the game ball has been paid out by the member via the payout control board 73. Output to the board 60. The game control microcomputer 61 counts the number of prize balls paid out by the prize ball payout device 500 based on the signal output from the payout control board 73.
Further, the launching device 90 is electrically connected to the main control board 60 via the launch control circuit 75. The launch device 90 includes a launch motor 91, a touch switch 92, and a launch volume 93. The launch motor 91 drives a striking mallet (not shown) that strikes and launches a game ball. The touch switch 92 outputs a signal indicating that the player has touched the handle 4. The firing volume 93 adjusts the strength with which the batting mallet hits the game ball according to the amount of rotation of the firing lever 4a (FIG. 1).

Further, the pachinko gaming machine 1 includes a power supply board 70. The power supply board 70 supplies electric power to the main control board 60 and the payout control board 73. Further, the power supply board 70 supplies electric power to each device electrically connected to the payout control board 73 via the payout control board 73. Further, the power supply board 70 supplies electric power from the main control board 60 to each sensor and solenoid electrically connected to the relay board 74 via the relay board 74. Further, the power supply board 70 supplies electric power to the indicators 50 electrically connected to the main control board 60 via the main control board 60.
The power supply board 70 is provided with a backup power supply circuit 71. The backup power supply circuit 71 supplies power necessary for holding information to the RAM 64 and the like of the main control board 60 when power is not supplied to the pachinko gaming machine 1 from the outside. A power switch 72 for turning on / off the main power supply for supplying electric power to the power supply board 70 is electrically connected to the power supply board 70.

The main control board 60 transmits various commands to the sub control board 100 (FIG. 8). The main control board 60 can transmit commands to the sub control board 100, but the sub control board 100 cannot transmit commands to the main control board 60. That is, the communication between the main control board 60 and the sub control board 100 is a unidirectional communication that can only be transmitted from the main control board 60 to the sub control board 100.

As shown in FIG. 8, a one-chip microcomputer for effect control (hereinafter referred to as an effect control microcomputer) 101 is mounted on the sub control board 100. The effect control microcomputer 101 includes a CPU 102, a ROM 110, a RAM 120, and an input / output circuit 103. The CPU 102 controls the effect as the game is played. In addition to the computer program for the CPU 102 to control the effect, the ROM 110 stores various tables such as a variation effect pattern selection table (not shown) for selecting the variation effect pattern displayed by the effect display device 7. There is.

Further, the RAM 120 is used as a work memory when the CPU 102 executes a computer program. Further, as shown in FIG. 10A, the RAM 120 is provided with a first special figure holding effect storage unit 121, a second special figure holding effect storage unit 122, and the variable effect storage unit 123. There is.
As shown in FIG. 10B, the first special figure reservation effect storage unit 121 has four storage areas including the first to fourth storage areas, and each storage area is output from the main control board 60. The first start winning command etc. is memorized. The first start winning command is a command including a jackpot random number, a jackpot type random number, a variation pattern random number, and a reach random number acquired by the game control microcomputer 61 when the game ball wins a prize in the first starting port 401.
As shown in FIG. 10C, the second special figure reservation effect storage unit 122 has four storage areas composed of the first to fourth storage areas, and each storage area is output from the main control board 60. The second start winning command etc. is memorized. The second start winning command is a command including a jackpot random number, a jackpot type random number, a variation pattern random number, and a reach random number acquired by the game control microcomputer 61 when the game ball wins a prize in the second starting port 402.
The variation effect storage unit 123 stores the first start winning command or the second start winning command used for the variation of the variation effect pattern.
The input / output circuit 103 transmits or receives data to and from each board connected to the sub-control board 100.

As shown in FIG. 8, the image control board 200 is electrically connected to the sub control board 100. The image control board 200 includes an image control CPU 202, a VDP201 (Video Display Processor), a control ROM 203, a control RAM 204, a CGROM (Character Generator Read Only Memory) 205, and a VRAM (Video Random Access Memory) 206. And are implemented. The image control CPU 202 controls the effect display device 7 to display effect images such as a variable effect pattern, a button effect image, and a preview image. The control ROM 203 stores a computer program for the image control CPU 202 to control the effect display device 7. The control RAM 204 is used as a work memory when the image control CPU 202 executes a computer program. The CGROM 205 stores image data for the effect display device 7 to display the effect image. The VDP 201 reads the image data from the CGROM 205 according to the display list created by the image control CPU 202, and expands the read image data into the expansion area in the VRAM 206. Then, the VDP 201 synthesizes the image data developed in the VRAM 206, and stores the synthesized image data in the frame buffer in the VRAM 206. Then, the VDP 201 converts the image data stored in the frame buffer in the VRAM 206 into an RGB signal and outputs the image data to the effect display device 7. As a result, the effect display device 7 displays the effect image.

The left side lamp 23a, the right side lamp 23b, the panel lamp 2a, and the effect button lamp 9c are electrically connected to the sub control board 100 via the lamp control board 79. The effect control microcomputer 101 creates light emission pattern data that determines the light emission mode of each lamp using the data stored in the ROM 110, and transmits the light emission pattern data to the lamp control board 79. Then, the lamp control board 79 controls the light emission of each lamp according to the received light emission pattern data.
Each speaker 8 is electrically connected to the sub control board 100 via the voice control board 78. The voice control board 78 is equipped with a voice control microcomputer 78a, a voice data storage unit 78b, a sound source IC 78c, a voice synthesis circuit 78d, and an amplifier 78e. The voice control microcomputer 78a includes a ROM in which a computer program for performing voice control and the like is stored, a RAM used as a work memory and the like, and a CPU for executing a computer program stored in the ROM. The voice data storage unit 78b stores voice data for each speaker 8 to output sounds such as music and sound effects.

The voice control microcomputer 78a transmits / receives data (various commands, etc.) to / from the sub-control board 100 via the input / output circuit 103. The voice control microcomputer 78a outputs a voice selection signal to the sound source IC 78c based on the command received from the sub control board 100. The sound source IC 78c reads the voice data corresponding to the input voice selection signal from the voice data storage unit 78b, and outputs the read voice data to the voice synthesis circuit 78d. The voice synthesis circuit 78d synthesizes the input voice data, converts the synthesized voice data into an analog voice signal, and outputs the synthesized voice data to the amplifier 78e. The amplifier 78e amplifies the input audio signal and outputs it to each speaker 8. Then, each speaker 8 outputs (reproduces) the sound indicated by the input audio signal.

Further, the effect button detection switch 9a is electrically connected to the sub control board 100. The effect button detection switch 9a outputs a signal indicating that the effect button 9 has been pressed to the sub-control board 100, and the effect control microcomputer 101 produces a button effect based on the signal input from the effect button detection switch 9a. To execute.
Further, the effect button vibration motor 9b is electrically connected to the sub control board 100. The effect button vibration motor 9b vibrates the effect button 9 based on the control of the sub control board 100.
Since FIGS. 7 and 8 are explanatory views showing the electrical functions of the pachinko gaming machine 1 in blocks, any one of a plurality of boards shown in FIGS. 7 or 8 is used except for the main control board 60. It can be configured as a substrate, or one substrate can be configured as a plurality of substrates.

[Big hit judgment table]
The jackpot determination table TA1 shown in FIG. 11A is a table referred to when the game control microcomputer 61 (FIG. 7) executes a jackpot determination as to whether or not it is a jackpot. The jackpot determination table TA1 is configured by associating the type of lottery (whether the lottery of special figure 1 or the lottery of special figure 2) with the jackpot random number. The jackpot random number is a random number selected from the jackpot random numbers generated by the jackpot random number counter. The computer program for operating the jackpot random number counter is stored in the ROM 63, and when the CPU 62 executes the computer program, the jackpot random number counter operates and a jackpot random number is generated. The jackpot random number counter may use a random number generation circuit such as a counter IC. In the present embodiment, the jackpot random number counter counts a total of 65536 jackpot random numbers from 0 to 65535. That is, a total of 65536 jackpot random numbers from 0 to 65535 are generated. In the present embodiment, a total of 200 jackpot random numbers from 0 to 199 are set in the jackpot determination table TA1 as small hit random numbers at the time of the lottery of the first special symbol (lottery of special figure 1). Further, as the jackpot random number value, a total of 200 jackpot random numbers of 200 to 399 are set. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the establishment of the small hit and the establishment of the big hit are the same establishment (about 1/327). As described above, in the case of a small hit, in the case of a small hit, the game ball that has won the second big winning opening 42 passes through the specific area with 100% probability, and the first big winning from the second round to the final round. The mouth 32 opens and closes. Therefore, in the present embodiment, if the number of rounds is the same, the big hit and the small hit are substantially the same big hit game. And the total establishment of both the big hit and the small hit, that is, the actual establishment of the big hit is about 1/164. The game control microcomputer 61 determines that the jackpot random number acquired from the jackpot random number counter is any of 0 to 199, determines that it is a small hit in the jackpot determination, and if it is any of 200 to 399, it determines that it is a jackpot. In the determination, it is determined that it is a big hit, and if it is other than 0 to 399 out of 0 to 65535, it is not a big hit, that is, it is determined to be a loss.

On the other hand, in the jackpot determination table TA1, a jackpot random number at the time of the lottery of the second special symbol (lottery of the special figure 2) is set. In the present embodiment, the jackpot random number at the time of the lottery of the second special symbol (lottery of the special figure 2) is set to be the same as the jackpot random number at the time of the lottery of the first special symbol. Therefore, the game control microcomputer 61 determines that the jackpot random number acquired from the jackpot random number counter is any of 0 to 199, determines that it is a small hit in the jackpot determination, and that it is any of 200 to 399. , It is determined that the jackpot is a jackpot, and if it is other than 0 to 399 out of 0 to 65535, it is not a jackpot, that is, it is determined to be a loss.

The random numbers and the like in the determination table TA1 shown in FIG. 11 are examples. For example, the determination table TA1 may have different settings for the small hit / big hit random number of the first special symbol and the small hit / big hit random number of the second special symbol. Further, the determination table TA1 does not have to include, for example, a small hit or a loss in one of the first special symbol and the second special symbol. For example, if it is difficult to enter the game ball passage 300, the jackpot determination does not include a loss, and if it is easy to enter the game ball passage 300, the jackpot determination may include a loss. ..

[Big hit type judgment table]
The jackpot type determination table TA2 shown in FIG. 11B is a table that the game control microcomputer 61 (FIG. 7) refers to when executing the jackpot type determination when it is determined to be a jackpot. The jackpot type determination table TA2 is configured by associating the type of lottery (whether the lottery of special figure 1 or the lottery of special figure 2 or the jackpot by V winning) and the random number of the jackpot type. The jackpot type random number is a random number selected from the jackpot type random numbers generated by the jackpot type random number counter. The computer program for operating the jackpot type random number counter is stored in the ROM 63, and when the CPU 62 executes the computer program, the jackpot type random number counter operates and the jackpot type random number is generated. The jackpot type random number counter may use a random number generation circuit such as a counter IC. In the present embodiment, the jackpot type random number counter counts a total of 100 jackpot type random numbers from 0 to 99. That is, a total of 100 jackpot type random numbers from 0 to 99 are generated. In the pachinko gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, there are "4R jackpot" and "10R jackpot" as the types of jackpots.

Then, in the pachinko gaming machine 1, as shown in FIG. 11 (B), in the lottery of the first special symbol (lottery of special figure 1), if the jackpot type random number is in the range of 0 to 49, " It is determined that the player has won the "4R jackpot", and if the random number of the jackpot type is 50 to 99, it is determined that the player has won the "10R jackpot". That is, in the jackpot of the first special symbol, the "4R jackpot" is won with a probability of 50/100 as the type of jackpot, and the "10R jackpot" is won with a probability of 50/100.
On the other hand, even in the lottery of the second special symbol (lottery of special figure 2), if the jackpot type random number is within the range of 0 to 49, it is determined that the "4R jackpot" has been won, and the jackpot type random number is 50 to 50. If it is 99, it is determined that the "10R jackpot" has been won. That is, in the jackpot of the second special symbol, the "4R jackpot" is won with a probability of 50/100 as the type of jackpot, and the "10R jackpot" is won with a probability of 50/100.
In addition, in the jackpot by V prize (two kinds of jackpot by winning a specific area in the second jackpot device 40), if the random number of the jackpot type is in the range of 0 to 99, the "10R jackpot" is won. It is determined that it has been done. In other words, in the jackpot by V winning, the "10R jackpot" is won with a probability of 100/100 as the type of jackpot.

[Reach judgment table]
The reach determination table TA3 shown in FIG. 11C determines whether or not the game control microcomputer 61 (FIG. 7) selects a special figure variation pattern in which reach appears when the result of the jackpot determination is a loss. It is a table to be referred to when making a judgment. Here, the reach is a state in which there is only one special symbol that is variablely displayed among a plurality of special symbols, and it depends on which special symbol the variablely displayed special symbol is confirmed and displayed. It is a state where it is a combination of special symbols indicating a big hit. Further, the reach is a state in which only one of the effect symbols that are variablely displayed in each of the plurality of display areas of the effect display device 7 is variablely displayed, and the effect symbols are variablely displayed. It is a state in which a combination of jackpot effect symbols is used depending on which effect symbol is confirmed and displayed.
For example, when one of the combinations of jackpot effect symbols is "777", "7" is definitely displayed as the left effect symbol 9L in the left effect symbol display area, and as the right effect symbol 9R in the right effect symbol display area. "7" is definitely displayed, and the middle effect symbol 9C is variablely displayed in the middle effect symbol display area. The concept of reach includes a state in which the middle effect symbol 9C is scrolling, a state in which it is shaking, a state in which enlargement and reduction are repeated, a state in which it is temporarily temporarily stopped, and a state in which it fluctuates again.

The reach random number is a random number for determining whether or not to select the special figure fluctuation pattern in which the reach appears when the result of the jackpot determination is a loss. The reach determination table TA3 is configured by associating a reach random number with a reach or no reach. The reach random number is a random number selected from the reach random numbers generated by the reach random number counter. In the present embodiment, the reach random number counter counts a total of 256 reach random numbers from 0 to 255. That is, a total of 256 reach random numbers from 0 to 256 are generated. The computer program for operating the reach random number counter is stored in the ROM 63, and when the CPU 62 executes the computer program, the reach random number counter operates and a reach random number is generated. In the present embodiment, if the reach random number acquired from the reach random number counter is 0 to 27, it is determined that there is reach, and if it is other than 0 to 27, it is determined that there is no reach.
Note that FIG. 11C basically shows a reach determination table corresponding to the first special symbol. The reach determination table corresponding to the second special symbol may have the same contents as the first special symbol, or may be a different table.

[Main processing of the game control microcomputer 61]
Next, the main processing executed by the game control microcomputer 61 (FIG. 7) will be described with reference to the drawings.
(Main control process on the main side)
First, the contents of the main control process on the main side executed by the game control microcomputer 61 will be described with reference to FIG. 12, which shows the contents.
When the power of the pachinko gaming machine 1 is turned on, the game control microcomputer 61 reads out and executes the computer program of the main control process shown in FIG. 12 from the ROM 63 (FIG. 7). The game control microcomputer 61 first makes initial settings (step (hereinafter, abbreviated as S) 1). In this initial setting, for example, stack setting, constant setting, interrupt time setting, CPU62 setting, SIO (System Input / Output), PIO (Parallel Input / Output), CTC (Counter / Timer Circuit: interrupt) (Circuit for managing time) is set, and various flags, counters, timers, etc. are reset. Subsequently, the game control microcomputer 61 executes interrupt prohibition (S2) and executes a special symbol main random number update process (S3). In this special symbol main random number update process, the initial values of each random number counter that generates the above-mentioned jackpot random number, jackpot type random number, reach random number, and fluctuation pattern random number are added by "1" and updated. When the count value of each random number counter reaches the upper limit value, it returns to "0" and is added again by "1". The initial value of each random number counter may be a value other than "0" or may be randomly changed. Further, a numerical value of "2" or more may be added to the count value of each random number counter to update. Further, each random number may be a so-called hardware random number generated by using a known random number generation circuit including a counter IC or the like. When this hardware random number is used, software-based random number update processing (S3) is not required.

Subsequently, the game control microcomputer 61 executes the interrupt permission (S4). While the interrupt is permitted, the main timer interrupt process (S5) can be executed. The main timer interrupt process (S5) is executed based on, for example, an interrupt pulse input to the CPU 62 at a cycle of 4 msec. That is, it is executed in a cycle of 4 msec. Then, between the end of the main timer interrupt process (S5) and the start of the next main timer interrupt process (S5), various counters by the special symbol main random number update process (S3) The initial value update process is executed. If an interrupt pulse is input to the CPU 62 in the interrupt prohibited state, the main timer interrupt process (S5) is not started immediately, but is started after the interrupt permission (S4) is executed. To.

(Main timer interrupt processing)
Next, the contents of the main-side timer interrupt process (S5 in FIG. 12) executed by the game control microcomputer 61 will be described with reference to FIG. 13, which shows the contents.
The game control microcomputer 61 executes the output process (S10). In this output process, commands and the like set in the output buffer provided in the RAM 64 (FIG. 7) of the main control board 60 in each process described below are transmitted to the sub control board 100 (FIG. 8) and the payout control board 73 (FIG. 7). Output to 7) and so on. Subsequently, the game control microcomputer 61 executes the input process (S11). In this input process, various sensors mainly attached to the pachinko gaming machine 1 (first starting port sensor 401a, second starting port sensor 402a, first large winning opening sensor 33, second large winning opening sensor 43, specifying Each detection signal detected by the area sensor 45, the approach sensor 315, the discharge sensor 317, etc. (FIG. 7) is read.

Subsequently, the game control microcomputer 61 executes the timer update process (S12). In this timer update process, the subtraction counter operating as a timer is updated (subtracted). Subsequently, the game control microcomputer 61 executes the prize ball control process (S13). In this prize ball control process, a payout command for paying out prize balls according to the type of winning opening is set in the output buffer of the RAM 64 based on the detection signals of various sensors read in the input process (S11). The payout command is a command output to the payout control board 73.
Subsequently, the game control microcomputer 61 executes the special symbol main random number update process (S14). This special symbol main random number update process is the same as the special symbol main random number update process (S3) executed in the main side main control process of FIG. That is, the initial value update processing of each random number counter is performed after the execution period of the main timer interrupt processing (S5) and the other periods (main side timer interrupt processing (S5) are completed, and then the next main timer interrupt processing (S5) is completed. It is performed both in the period until the interrupt processing (S5) is started).

Subsequently, the game control microcomputer 61 includes a sensor detection process (S15), a specific area passage detection process (S16), a special symbol standby process (S17), a special symbol variation process (S18), and a temporary hold process (S18), which will be described later. S19) and other processing (S20) are executed to end the main timer interrupt processing (S5). The special symbol variation processing (S18) sets, for example, a variation stop command for instructing the stop of the variation based on the variation time of the special symbol. Other processes (S20) include security control processing for detecting and notifying an illegal prize, magnetic detection processing for detecting and notifying an illegal act using radio waves, and detecting the opening of the front frame 18 (FIG. 1) and the inner frame. The door opening process for notifying is performed, the fraudulent radio wave detection process for detecting and notifying fraudulent activity using radio waves, the impact detection process for detecting and notifying fraudulent activity that causes the pachinko gaming machine 1 to vibrate, and the like.
Then, until the next interrupt pulse is input to the game control microcomputer 61, the processes of steps S2 to S4 of the main control process are repeatedly executed (see FIG. 12), and when the interrupt pulse is input (about 4 mec). Later), the main timer interrupt process (S5) is executed again. In the output process (S10) of the main side timer interrupt process (S5) executed again, the command set in the output buffer of the RAM 64 in the previous main side timer interrupt process (S5) is output to a predetermined board. To.

(Sensor detection processing)
Next, the content of the sensor detection process executed by the game control microcomputer 61 in S15 of the main timer interrupt process (FIG. 13) will be described with reference to FIG.
The game control microcomputer 61 determines whether or not the game ball has won the first starting port 401 (FIG. 5) (S22), and if it determines that the game ball has won the first starting port 401 (S22). : Yes), it is determined whether or not the first special figure reservation number U1 is equal to or greater than the upper limit value “4” (S23). Here, if it is determined that the first special figure reservation number U1 is "4" or more (S23: Yes), the process proceeds to S28, but it is determined that the first special figure reservation number U1 is not "4" or more. In the case (S23: No), 1 is added to the first special figure reservation number U1 (S24). Subsequently, the game control microcomputer 61 executes the first special figure-related random number acquisition process (S25). In this first special figure-related random number acquisition process, the jackpot random number counted by the jackpot random number counter, the jackpot type random number counted by the jackpot type random number counter, the reach random number counted by the reach random number counter, and the fluctuation pattern random number counter count. Fluctuation pattern random numbers are acquired, and each of the acquired random numbers is stored in a storage area corresponding to the current number of first special figure reservations in the first special figure reservation storage unit 64a (FIG. 9A). For example, when the current number of reserved first special figures is "3", each random value is stored in the fourth storage area.

Subsequently, the game control microcomputer 61 executes the first start winning command creation process (S26). In this first start winning command specifying process, the first starting winning command is created based on each random number group stored in the first special figure reservation storage unit 64a in S25. This first start winning command is composed of data indicating that the game ball has won the first starting port 401, data indicating each random value stored in the first special figure reservation storage unit 64a in S25, and the like. Subsequently, the game control microcomputer 61 sets the first start winning command created in S26 in the output buffer of the RAM 64 (S27). This set first start winning command is output to the sub control board 100 (FIG. 8) in the output process (S10 in FIG. 13), and the effect control microcomputer 101 is set to each random value included in the first start winning command. Perform the production based on.

Subsequently, the game control microcomputer 61 determines whether or not the game ball has won the second starting port 402 (FIG. 5) (S28). Here, when it is determined that the game ball has won the second starting port 402 (S28: Yes), it is determined whether or not the second special figure reservation number U2 is equal to or greater than the upper limit value "4" (S29). .. Here, when it is determined that the second special figure holding number U2 is "4" or more (S29: Yes), this sensor detection process is terminated, but when the second special figure holding number U2 is "4" or more, the sensor detection process is terminated. If it is determined that there is no such figure (S29: No), 1 is added to the second special figure reservation number U2 (S30). Subsequently, the game control microcomputer 61 executes the second special figure-related random number acquisition process (S31). In this second special figure-related random number acquisition process, a jackpot random number, a jackpot type random number, a reach random number, and a fluctuation pattern random number are acquired, and each of the acquired random numbers is stored in the second special figure reservation storage unit 64b (FIG. 9 (FIG. 9). Of B)), it is stored in the storage area according to the current number of reserved second special figures. For example, when the current number of reserved second special figures is "3", each random value is stored in the fourth storage area.

Subsequently, the game control microcomputer 61 executes the second start winning command creation process (S32). In this second start winning command specifying process, a second starting winning command is created based on each random number group stored in the second special figure reservation storage unit 64b in S31. This second start winning command is composed of data indicating that the game ball has won the second starting port 402, data indicating each random number stored in the second special figure reservation storage unit 6ba in S31, and the like. Subsequently, the game control microcomputer 61 sets the second start winning command created in S32 in the output buffer of the RAM 64 (S33). This set second start winning command is output to the sub control board 100 (FIG. 8) in the output process (S10 in FIG. 13), and the effect control microcomputer 101 is set to each random value included in the second start winning command. Perform the production based on.

(Specific area passage detection processing)
Next, the content of the specific area passage detection process executed by the game control microcomputer 61 in S16 of the main timer interrupt process (FIG. 13) will be described with reference to FIG.
The game control microcomputer 61 determines whether or not the game ball has passed through a specific area provided inside the second special winning device 40 (S40). It is detected by the specific area sensor 45 (FIGS. 2 and 7) that the game ball has passed through the specific area. Here, when it is determined that the game ball has passed the specific area (S40: Yes), the type of jackpot is determined (S41). In the determination of the jackpot type, the jackpot type random number is acquired, the jackpot type determination table TA2 (FIG. 11B) is referred to, and the jackpot type associated with the acquired jackpot type random number is selected.

Subsequently, the game control microcomputer 61 turns on the jackpot flag indicating the occurrence of the jackpot (S42), and sets a specific area passing command indicating that the game ball has passed the specific area in the output buffer of the RAM 64 (S43). .. This set specific area passage command includes data indicating the type of jackpot determined in S41. This specific area passage command is output to the sub-control board 100 (FIG. 8) in the output process (S10 in FIG. 13). Then, the game control microcomputer 61 finishes the specific area passage detection process. Further, when the game control microcomputer 61 determines that the game ball has not passed through the specific area (S40: No), the game control microcomputer 61 ends the specific area passage detection process.

(Special symbol standby processing)
Next, the content of the special symbol standby process executed by the game control microcomputer 61 in S17 of the main timer interrupt process (FIG. 13) will be described with reference to FIG.
The game control microcomputer 61 determines whether or not the second special figure hold number U2 is "0" (S50), and if it is determined that it is not "0" (S50: No), the special figure described later 2 The jackpot determination process (FIG. 17) is executed (S51). Subsequently, the game control microcomputer 61 executes the special figure 2 variation pattern selection process for selecting the variation pattern of the special figure 2 (S52). Subsequently, the game control microcomputer 61 subtracts "1" from the second special figure reservation number U2 (S53), and is stored in each storage area of the second special figure reservation storage unit 64b (FIG. 9B). Each of the data is shifted to the storage area having the oldest storage order, that is, to the side to be read (S54). Subsequently, the game control microcomputer 61 executes the special figure 2 fluctuation start process (S55). That is, the second special symbol display 52 is the second in the order in which the game control microcomputer 61 executes the jackpot determination based on the jackpot random numbers stored in the second special figure reservation storage unit 64b (FIG. 9B). The variable display of the special symbol is performed. Further, each time the second special symbol display 52 performs a variable display of the second special symbol, each data stored in each storage area of the second special symbol reservation storage unit 64b has an older storage order. Shifted to storage area.
In this special figure 2 fluctuation start processing, the fluctuation start command is set in the output buffer of the RAM 64, and the fluctuation display of the second special symbol is started. The fluctuation start command set in the output buffer of the RAM 64 is the data of the special figure stop symbol selected in the second special figure jackpot determination process (FIG. 17) described later or selected in the second special figure fluctuation pattern selection process (S52). The data of the special figure fluctuation pattern is included.

Further, when the game control microcomputer 61 determines in S50 that the second special figure hold number U2 is "0" (S50: Yes), is the first special figure hold number U1 "0"? If it is determined whether or not it is (S56) and it is determined that it is not "0" (S56: No), the first special figure jackpot determination process (FIG. 17) described later is executed (S57). Subsequently, the game control microcomputer 61 executes the special figure 1 variation pattern selection process for selecting the variation pattern of the special figure 1 (S58). Subsequently, the game control microcomputer 61 is stored in each storage area of the first special figure reservation storage unit 64a (FIG. 9A) by subtracting "1" from the first special figure reservation number U1 (S59). Each of the data is shifted to the storage area having the oldest storage order, that is, to the side to be read (S60). Subsequently, the game control microcomputer 61 executes the special figure 1 fluctuation start process (S61). That is, the first special symbol display 51 is in the order in which the game control microcomputer 61 executes the winning / failing determination based on the jackpot random value stored in the first special figure holding storage unit 64a (FIG. 9A). 1 Perform variable display of special symbols. Further, each time the first special symbol display 51 performs a variable display of the first special symbol, each data stored in each storage area of the first special symbol reservation storage unit 64a has an older storage order. Shifted to storage area.
In this special figure 1 fluctuation start processing, the fluctuation start command is set in the output buffer of the RAM 64, and the fluctuation display of the first special symbol is started. The fluctuation start command set in the output buffer of the RAM 64 includes the data of the special figure stop symbol selected in the first special figure jackpot determination process (FIG. 17) and the variation pattern selected in the first special figure fluctuation pattern selection process (S58). Data is included.

Further, when the game control microcomputer 61 determines in S56 that the first special figure hold number U1 is "0" (S56: Yes), the effect display device 7 displays the standby screen (demo screen for waiting for customers). ) Is displayed (S62). Here, if it is determined that the standby screen is displayed (S62: Yes), the special symbol standby process is terminated, and if it is determined that the standby screen is not displayed (S62: No), the standby screen is displayed. The setting process is executed (S63). In this standby screen setting process, a customer waiting standby command for displaying the standby screen is set in the output buffer of the RAM 64 after waiting for the elapse of a predetermined standby time.
Further, in the present embodiment, the variation display of the first special symbol based on the first special figure reservation is performed only when the second special figure reservation number U2 is "0" (S50: Yes). That is, the digestion of the second special figure hold is executed in preference to the digestion of the first special figure hold.

(2nd special figure jackpot judgment process (1st special figure jackpot judgment process))
Next, with reference to FIG. 17, which shows the contents of the special figure 2 big hit determination process (special figure 1 big hit determination process) executed by the game control microcomputer 61 in S51 and S57 of the special symbol standby process (FIG. 16). explain. Since the processing flow is the same for the special figure 2 jackpot determination process (S51 in FIG. 16) and the special figure 1 jackpot determination process (S57 in FIG. 16), they will be described together. Further, when a matter common to the first special figure holding storage unit 64a and the second special figure holding storage unit 64b is explained, it is simply referred to as a special figure holding storage unit.

The game control microcomputer 61 reads the jackpot random number stored in the first storage area (FIG. 9) of the special figure reservation storage unit of the RAM 64 (S70), and refers to the jackpot determination table TA1 (FIG. 11 (A)). (S71). Subsequently, whether or not the same jackpot random number as the jackpot random number read in S70 exists in the jackpot determination table TA1, that is, whether or not the jackpot is a jackpot is determined (S72). For example, when the jackpot random number read in S70 in the jackpot determination process of Special Figure 2 is "207", since "207" exists in the jackpot random numbers 200 to 399 in the jackpot determination table TA1, it is a jackpot. (S72: Yes).
When the game control microcomputer 61 determines that the jackpot has been determined in S72 (S72: Yes), the game control microcomputer 61 turns on the jackpot flag indicating that the jackpot has been determined in the jackpot determination (S73). Subsequently, the game control microcomputer 61 reads out the jackpot type random numbers stored in the first storage area (FIG. 9) of the special figure reservation storage unit, and refers to the jackpot type determination table TA2 (FIG. 11 (B)). , Determine the type of jackpot (S74). Depending on the type of jackpot, the jackpot symbol of the special figure, the stop symbol of the special figure, the distribution rate, the maximum number of rounds, the jackpot effect symbol, etc. differ. Here, the distribution rate is the probability that a predetermined jackpot will be selected from among the plurality of types of jackpots set in the jackpot type determination table TA2. The maximum number of rounds is the maximum number of rounds that can be executed in a jackpot game.

Further, in S72, the game control microcomputer 61 is not a big hit, that is, when it is determined that the game is lost (S72: No), a random number value corresponding to the small hit in the big hit determination table TA1 (FIG. 11 (A)). With reference to the range of, it is determined whether or not the same jackpot random number as the jackpot random number read in S70 exists, that is, whether or not it is a small hit (S75). For example, when the jackpot random number read in S70 in the jackpot determination process of Special Figure 2 is "12", "12" is included in the random number range 0 to 199 corresponding to the small hit in the jackpot determination table TA1. Since it exists, it is determined to be a small hit (S75: Yes). Subsequently, the game control microcomputer 61 turns on the small hit flag indicating that the small hit has been determined (S76). Further, the game control microcomputer 61 sets the special figure stop symbol data for confirming and displaying the special figure corresponding to the result of the hit / fail determination in S72 or S75 in the special figure buffer provided in the RAM 64 (FIG. 7) (S77). ), This second special figure jackpot determination process is completed. Hereinafter, the special symbol and the effect symbol indicating the occurrence of the big hit will be referred to as a big hit symbol, and the special symbol and the effect symbol indicating the occurrence of the small hit will be referred to as a small hit symbol. The game control microcomputer 61 that executes the process of FIG. 17 is an example of the privilege grant determination means of the present invention.

(This hold provisional hold processing)
Next, the content of the main hold temporary hold process executed by the game control microcomputer 61 in S19 of the main timer interrupt process (FIG. 13) will be described with reference to FIG.
The game control microcomputer 61 determines whether or not the game ball has entered the first start port 401 or the second start port 402 within the reference time T1 (S81). The reference time T1 referred to here means, for example, that the game ball flows down along the discharge direction 318 from the time when the game ball is discharged from the discharge port 316a, and then enters the first start port 401 or the second start port 402. It is the time measured in advance. For example, as shown by the broken line arrow 415 in FIG. 19, from the time when the game ball is detected by the discharge sensor 317, the first start port sensor 401a of the first start port 401 (in the case of the second start port 402, the second start port sensor 401a). This is the time measured in advance until it is detected by the start port sensor 402a). When the game control microcomputer 61 detects the entry of the first start port 401 or the second start port 402 within the reference time T1 from the time when the game ball is detected by the discharge sensor 317 ( When the game ball is detected by the first start port sensor 401a or the second start port sensor 402a), the game ball discharged from the discharge port 316a is processed as if it has entered the first start port 401 or the second start port 402. To do.

The reference time T1 different from that of the first starting port 401 and the second starting port 402 may be used. Further, the reference time T1 does not have to be a preset value. For example, the pachinko gaming machine 1 may set the reference time T1 based on the detection time of the discharge sensor 317 and the first start port sensor 401a during the adjustment of the table or the actual game.

FIG. 20A shows an example of the timing of entering the game ball. When the game control microcomputer 61 detects the incoming ball of the first starting port 401 or the second starting port 402 at the timing TM1 within the reference time T1 from the time when the game ball is detected by the discharge sensor 317, for example, S81 in FIG. (S81: Yes), and S82 is executed. In this case, it is highly possible that the game ball discharged from the discharge member 316 has entered the first start port 401 or the second start port 402 through the ball entry port 407. That is, the game ball has flowed down from the game ball passage 300 to the first starting port 401 or the second starting port 402. Therefore, the game control microcomputer 61 sets the first hold command instructing the number of stays to be reduced by one and the number of holds to be increased by one in the output buffer of the RAM 64 (S82). This set first hold command is output to the sub-control board 100 (FIG. 8) in the output process (S10 in FIG. 13), and the effect control microcomputer 101 sets the hold image HG, provisionally, based on the first hold command. Display processing of the reserved image KG, the remaining remaining number image SG, and the like is executed.

The game control microcomputer 61 executes S83 after executing S82. Further, the game control microcomputer 61 executes S83 when a negative determination is made in S81 (S81: No). In S83, the game control microcomputer 61 determines whether or not the game ball has entered the first start port 401 or the second start port 402 outside the reference time T1. For example, as shown by the arrow 410 in FIG. 5 (B), when a game ball other than the game ball discharged from the discharge member 316 enters the first starting port 401 or the like, the timing TM2 in FIG. 20 (A) is reached. As shown, when the period of the reference time T1 is set from the start time with the time when the game ball is detected by the discharge sensor 317 as the start time, the game ball may enter at a timing outside the set period. Is high. In this case, the number of stays does not change, but the number of holds is increased by one. The game control microcomputer 61 makes an affirmative determination in S83 (S83: Yes), and executes S85. The game control microcomputer 61 sets a second hold command instructing to increase the number of holds by one in the output buffer of the RAM 64 (S85). The game control microcomputer 61 may execute a response process when a game ball other than the game ball discharged from the discharge member 316 enters the reference time T1. For example, when two game balls have entered within the reference time T1, the game control microcomputer 61 ejects the game balls that have previously entered the first starting port 401 or the like from the discharge member 316 within the reference time T1. The game ball may be treated as a discharged game ball, and then the game ball entered may be treated as a game ball other than the game ball discharged from the discharge member 316. When the game control microcomputer 61 positively determines the determination process of S81 twice within the same reference time T1, the game control microcomputer 61 may execute S85 instead of S82 when executing S82 for the second time. As a result, even if there is a game ball discharged from the discharge member 316 and a game ball other than the game ball discharged from the discharge member 316 within the reference time T1, it can be processed in order.

The game control microcomputer 61 executes S87 after executing S85. Further, the game control microcomputer 61 executes S87 when a negative determination is made in S83 (S83: No). In S87, the game control microcomputer 61 determines whether or not the game ball has entered the first start port 401 or the second start port 402 within the reference time T1. As shown by arrows 411 and 413 in FIG. 5B, when the game ball discharged from the discharge member 316 does not enter the first start port 401 or the second start port 402, the game is played by the discharge sensor 317. It is highly possible that the ball entering the first starting port 401 or the second starting port 402 is not detected from the time when the ball is detected until the reference time T1 elapses. In this case, the number of stays is reduced by one, but the number of holds is unchanged. The game control microcomputer 61 makes an affirmative determination in S87 (S87: Yes), and executes S89. The game control microcomputer 61 sets a third hold command instructing the number of stays to be reduced by one in the output buffer of the RAM 64.

When the game control microcomputer 61 executes S89, the hold temporary hold process ends. Further, the game control microcomputer 61 also ends the present hold provisional hold process even when a negative determination is made in S87 (S87: No). As a result, the first to third hold commands set in the RAM 64 are transmitted to the effect control microcomputer 101, and display processing such as the hold image HG is executed (S348 in FIG. 25).

The content of the process for changing the display of the present hold image HG and the provisional hold image KG described above is an example. For example, as shown in FIG. 20B, when a plurality of game balls are continuously ejected, the game control microcomputer 61 has a reference start time detected by the ejection sensor 317 and a reference start time thereof for each game ball. A period of the reference time T1 is set from the start time, and the game ball discharged from the discharge member 316 enters the first start port 401 or the like based on the detection status of the first start port 401 or the like inside or outside the set period. You may judge whether it was done. For example, when the game control microcomputer 61 sets two overlapping reference time T1 periods, if the game ball can be detected by the end of the previously started reference time T1 period, the game control microcomputer 61 makes an affirmative judgment in S82. If it cannot be detected, a positive judgment may be made in S83. That is, the game control microcomputer 61 may separately determine a plurality of game balls.

(Sub-side main control processing)
Next, the sub-side main control process executed by the effect control microcomputer 101 (FIG. 8) will be described with reference to FIG. 21 showing the sub-side main control process.
First, the effect control microcomputer 101 executes the initial setting (S300). In this initial setting, for example, stack setting, constant setting, interrupt time setting, CPU102 (FIG. 8) setting, SIO (System Input / Output), PIO (Parallel Input / Output), CTC (Counter / Timer) Circuit: Set the interrupt time), reset various flags, counters, timers, etc. Subsequently, the effect control microcomputer 101 determines whether or not the power cutoff signal is ON and the contents of the RAM 120 (FIG. 8) are normal (S301), and if a negative determination is made here (S301). S301: No), the RAM 120 is initialized (S302), and the process proceeds to S303. If an affirmative determination is made in S301 (S301: Yes), the process proceeds to S303 without initializing the RAM 120. That is, if the power cutoff signal is not turned on, or if the contents of the RAM 120 are not normal even if the power cutoff signal is turned on (S301: No), the RAM 120 is initialized, but due to a power failure or the like. If the power cutoff signal is turned on but the contents of the RAM 120 are kept normal (S301: Yes), the RAM 120 is not initialized. If the RAM 120 is initialized, the values of various flags, counters, timers, and the like are reset. Further, S300 to S302 are executed only once after the power is turned on, and are not executed thereafter.

Subsequently, the effect control microcomputer 101 prohibits interruption (S303) and executes random number update processing (S304). In this random number update process, the initial values of various random number counters for determining the effect are updated. The random numbers for determining the effect include a random number for the variable effect pattern for determining the variable effect pattern, a random number for the advance notice effect for determining various advance notice effects, and the like. The random number update method can be the same as the random number update process performed by the game control microcomputer 61 described above. Subsequently, the effect control microcomputer 101 executes a command transmission process (S305). In this command transmission process, various commands stored in the output buffer in the RAM 120 of the effect control microcomputer 101 are transmitted to the image control board 200, the voice control board 78, the lamp control board 79, and the like. Subsequently, the effect control microcomputer 101 executes interrupt permission (S306). After that, S303 to S306 are repeatedly executed. Further, while the interrupt is permitted, the reception interrupt process (S307), the 1 ms timer interrupt process (S308), and the 10 ms timer interrupt process (S309) can be executed.

(Reception interrupt processing)
Next, the reception interrupt process (S307 in FIG. 21) executed by the effect control microcomputer 101 will be described with reference to FIG. 22 showing it.
In the effect control microcomputer 101, whether or not the signal level of the strobe signal (STB signal) given from the main control board 60 (FIG. 7) to the external INT (interrupt) input unit of the effect control microcomputer 101 has changed. That is, it is determined whether or not it is the timing to receive the command (S310). Specifically, for example, it is determined whether or not the signal level of the strobe signal has changed from a high level to a low level. Then, when it is determined that it is not the timing to receive (S310: No), the reception interrupt process is completed, and when it is determined that it is the timing to receive (S310: Yes), transmission is performed from the main control board 60. Various commands that have been received are received, and the various received commands are stored in the reception buffer of the RAM 120 (FIG. 8) (S311). This reception interrupt process is a process that is executed in preference to other interrupt processes (S308, S309).

(1ms timer interrupt processing)
Next, the 1 ms timer interrupt process (S308 in FIG. 21) executed by the effect control microcomputer 101 will be described with reference to FIG. 23, which shows the 1 ms timer interrupt process (S308 in FIG. 21).
The effect control microcomputer 101 executes this 1 ms timer interrupt process every time an interrupt pulse having a 1 msec cycle is input to the sub control board 100. The effect control microcomputer 101 executes an input process (S320). In this input process, for example, switch data (edge data and level data) indicating that the switch is turned on is created based on the detection signal from the effect button detection switch 9a (FIG. 8). Subsequently, the effect control microcomputer 101 executes the output process (S321). In this output process, the variation effect start command set in the command buffer of the RAM 120 (FIG. 8) in S415 (FIG. 26) of the variation effect start process described later is output to the image control board 200.

Further, in order to make the board lamp 2a, the left side lamp 23a, and the right side lamp 23b (FIG. 8) emit light at a timing suitable for the music, the lamp processing (S333 in FIG. 24) in the 10 ms timer interrupt processing described later was performed. The lamp data is output to the lamp control board 79 (FIG. 8). That is, the panel lamp 2a, the left side lamp 23a, and the right side lamp 23b are made to emit light in a predetermined light emitting mode according to the lamp data.
Subsequently, the effect control microcomputer 101 determines whether or not a variable effect start command has been output (S322). The variation effect start command is set in the command buffer of the RAM 120 (FIG. 8) in S415 (FIG. 26) of the variation effect start process described later, and is output to the image control board 200 in S321. Here, if it is determined that the effect control microcomputer 101 has not output the variation effect start command (S322: No), if it is determined that the present process has been completed and output has been output (S322: Yes), the variation effect has been produced. The measurement of the fluctuation time of the pattern is started (S323). Subsequently, a watchdog timer process for resetting the watchdog timer is performed (S324), and this process is completed.

(10ms timer interrupt processing)
Next, the 10 ms timer interrupt process (S309 in FIG. 21) executed by the effect control microcomputer 101 will be described with reference to FIG. 24 showing it.
The effect control microcomputer 101 executes this 10 ms timer interrupt process every time an interrupt pulse having a cycle of 10 msec is input to the sub control board 100. The effect control microcomputer 101 executes a reception command analysis process (FIG. 25) described later (S330), and executes a switch state acquisition process (S331). In this switch state acquisition process, the switch data created in the input process of the 1 ms timer interrupt process (S320 in FIG. 23) is stored in the RAM 120 as the switch data for the 10 ms timer interrupt process. Subsequently, a switch process for setting display contents such as a button effect displayed by the effect display device 7 is executed based on the switch data stored in the switch state acquisition process (S332). Subsequently, the effect control microcomputer 101 executes the lamp processing (S333). In this lamp processing, lamp data for controlling the light emission of each lamp (board lamp 2a, left side lamp 23a, right side lamp 23b, etc.) as the music progresses, time management of light emission effect, and the like are performed. As a result, each lamp produces a light emitting effect according to the progress of the music.

Subsequently, the effect control microcomputer 101 executes the voice control process (S334). In this voice control process, voice control data (data for controlling the output of voice from each speaker 8) is created, the created voice control data is output to the voice control board 78 (FIG. 8), and voice production is performed. Perform time management, etc. As a result, the sound matching the effect to be executed is output from each speaker 8. Subsequently, the effect control microcomputer 101 executes other processing (S335), and ends this processing. In the other processing (S335), processing such as updating the variation effect pattern random number, the advance notice effect random number for determining the advance notice effect, and the like is executed.

(Received command analysis processing)
Next, the reception command analysis process executed by the effect control microcomputer 101 in S330 of the 10 ms timer interrupt process (FIG. 24) will be described with reference to FIG.
The effect control microcomputer 101 determines whether or not a start winning command (first start winning command or second starting winning command) has been received from the main control board 60 (S340), and if it has been determined to have received it (S340). : Yes), the look-ahead effect determination process is executed (S341). In this look-ahead effect determination process, the jackpot random number included in the start winning command stored in the special figure hold effect storage unit (1st special figure hold effect storage unit 121 or 2nd special figure hold effect storage unit 122: FIG. 10). Is a jackpot random number determined to be a jackpot in the jackpot determination (S72 in FIG. 17). That is, the jackpot determination (preliminary determination) is performed before the game control microcomputer 61 performs the jackpot determination. Then, if it is determined to be a big hit, it is decided by lottery whether or not to suggest that there is a big hit in the special figure hold, and if it is decided to suggest it, the book corresponding to the special figure hold where the big hit exists. A look-ahead effect such as changing the reserved image HG (FIG. 6) to a predetermined main reserved image is executed.

If it is determined in S340 that the start winning command has not been received (S340: No), the process proceeds to S342. Subsequently, the effect control microcomputer 101 determines whether or not the opening command has been received from the main control board 60 (S342), and if it determines that the opening command has been received (S342: Yes), executes the opening effect selection process (S342: Yes). S343). In this opening effect selection process, the opening command is analyzed, and the pattern (content) of the opening effect to be executed in the opening of the jackpot game is selected based on the analysis result. Specifically, the opening effect pattern selection table (not shown) in which the opening effect pattern is set in association with each opening command is referred to, and the opening effect pattern associated with the received opening command is selected. Then, the opening effect start command for starting the opening effect with the selected opening effect pattern is set in the output buffer of the RAM 120 (FIG. 8). If the effect control microcomputer 101 determines in S342 that the opening command has not been received (S342: No), the process proceeds to S344.

Subsequently, the effect control microcomputer 101 determines whether or not the ending command has been received from the main control board 60 (S344), and if it determines that the ending command has been received (S344: Yes), executes the ending effect selection process (S344: Yes). S345). In this ending effect selection process, the ending command is analyzed, and the pattern (content) of the ending effect to be executed at the ending of the jackpot game is selected based on the analysis result. For details, refer to the ending effect pattern selection table (not shown) in which the ending effect pattern is set in association with each ending command, and select the ending effect pattern associated with the received ending command. Then, an ending effect start command for starting the ending effect with the selected ending effect pattern is set in the output buffer of the RAM 120 (FIG. 8). If it is determined in S344 that the ending command has not been received (S344: No), the process proceeds to S346.

Subsequently, the effect control microcomputer 101 determines whether or not a fluctuation start command has been received from the main control board 60 (S346), and if it determines that the command has been received (S346: Yes), the effect control start process (S346: Yes), which will be described later, FIG. 26) is executed and (S347) is executed. Further, the effect control microcomputer 101 executes the hold image processing (S348) after executing S347 or when it is determined in S346 that the fluctuation start command has not been received (S346: No). The effect control microcomputer 101 executes the process based on the first to third hold commands transmitted from the game control microcomputer 61 in the present hold temporary hold process shown in FIG. 18 described above. Details of the reserved image processing will be described later.

When the hold image processing of S348 is executed, the effect control microcomputer 101 determines whether or not a fluctuation stop command has been received from the main control board 60 (S349), and if it determines that the command has been received (S349: Yes), the fluctuation stops. The effect end process is executed (S350). In this variation effect end process, the effect control microcomputer 101 sets a variation effect end command for ending the variation effect in the output buffer of the RAM 120 (FIG. 8). When the set variable effect end command is transmitted to the image control board 200 (FIG. 8) by the command transmission process (S305 in FIG. 21), the image control board 200 displays the left effect symbol 9L and the middle effect on the effect display device 7. The symbol 9C and the right effect symbol 9R (FIG. 1) are confirmed and displayed after passing through a predetermined stop pattern. If it is determined in S349 that the fluctuation stop command has not been received (S349: No), other processing is executed (S351), and the reception command analysis processing is completed. In the other processing (S351), processing based on a reception command other than the above command is performed.

(Fluctuating production start processing)
Next, the variation effect start process executed by the effect control microcomputer 101 in S347 of the received command analysis process (FIG. 25) will be described with reference to FIG. 26.
The effect control microcomputer 101 analyzes the received fluctuation start command (S410). The fluctuation start command can be the information of the special figure 2 fluctuation pattern selected in the special figure 2 fluctuation pattern selection process (S52 of FIG. 16) or the special figure selected in the special figure 1 fluctuation pattern selection process (S58 of FIG. 16). 1 Information on fluctuation patterns is included. Subsequently, when the fluctuation start command analyzed in S410 is the special figure 1 fluctuation start command, the effect control microcomputer 101 subtracts "1" from the value of the special figure 1 hold effect counter, and the special figure 2 fluctuation start command. If is, the value of the special figure 2 hold effect counter is subtracted by "1" (S411). Subsequently, the effect control microcomputer 101 is stored in the special figure hold effect storage unit (1st special figure hold effect storage unit 121 or 2nd special figure hold effect storage unit 122: FIG. 10) for the start winning command and look-ahead. Each data such as the jackpot flag is shifted toward the old storage area (S412).

Subsequently, the effect control microcomputer 101 executes the variation effect pattern selection process (S413). Specifically, the variation effect pattern is selected using the variation effect pattern random number and the variation effect pattern selection table. The variation effect pattern random number is acquired from the variation effect pattern random number counter that generates the variation effect pattern random number for selecting the variation effect pattern. The variation effect pattern selection table is configured by associating the type of the special figure variation pattern, the variation effect pattern random number, and the variation effect pattern. The selection of the variation effect pattern is the variation corresponding to the acquired variation effect pattern random number among the variation effect patterns associated with the information of the special figure 1 variation pattern obtained by the analysis of the variation start command in S410 (FIG. 26). This is done by selecting the production pattern.
Subsequently, the effect control microcomputer 101 sets a variation effect start command for starting the effect display device 7 to display the variation effect pattern selected in S413 in the output buffer of the RAM 120 (FIG. 8) (S414).

(Hold image processing)
Next, the content of the hold image processing executed by the effect control microcomputer 101 in S348 of FIG. 25 will be described. When the effect control microcomputer 101 receives the first hold command (FIG. 18) from the main control board 60, the effect control microcomputer 101 executes a process of reducing the number of stays by one and increasing the number of holds by one. Specifically, for example, as shown in FIG. 6A, four reserved images HG are displayed in the reserved image display area DE2, and four temporary reserved images KG are displayed in the temporary reserved image display area DE1. When the first hold command is received while the image is being displayed, the effect control microcomputer 101 erases the oldest temporary hold image KG on the left side of the four temporary hold image KGs, as shown in FIG. 6C. , A new hold image HG is displayed directly under the erased temporary hold image KG, and a hold display command for reducing the remaining remaining number image SG by one is set in the output buffer of the RAM 120 (FIG. 8). When the set hold display command is transmitted to the image control board 200 (FIG. 8) by the command transmission process (S305 in FIG. 21), the image control board 200 causes the present hold image HG and temporary hold in the effect display device 7. The display of the image KG and the remaining number of stays image SG is changed. As a result, it is possible to perform display processing when the game ball discharged from the discharge member 316 enters the first starting port 401 or the like within the reference time T1.

Further, when the effect control microcomputer 101 receives the second hold command from the main control board 60, the effect control microcomputer 101 executes a process of increasing the number of holds by one. For example, when the second hold command is received in the state shown in FIG. 6 (A), the effect control microcomputer 101 moves the new hold image HG to the rightmost end of the hold image HG as shown in FIG. 6 (D). Is displayed. Further, the effect control microcomputer 101 shifts the position of the temporary hold image KG to the right according to the position of the newly displayed main hold image HG, sets the number of the temporary hold image KG to three, and sets the remaining number of retained images KG to three. Increase the number by one. As a result, it is possible to execute the display processing at the time of entering a ball other than the game ball discharged from the discharge member 316 as shown by the arrow 410 in FIG. 5 (B).

Further, when the effect control microcomputer 101 receives the third hold command from the main control board 60, the effect control microcomputer 101 executes a process of reducing the number of stays by one. For example, when the third hold command is received in the state shown in FIG. 6 (A), the effect control microcomputer 101 receives the oldest left end of the four temporary hold images KG displayed as shown in FIG. 6 (E). The temporary hold image KG of is erased, and the remaining three temporary hold image KGs are shifted to the left. Further, the effect control microcomputer 101 adds a new temporary hold image KG to the right end, and reduces the remaining stay number image SG by one. As a result, it is possible to execute the display process when the game ball discharged from the discharge member 316 does not enter, as shown by arrows 411 and 413 in FIG. 5 (B).

The effect control microcomputer 101 also executes processing other than the case where the above-mentioned first to third hold commands are received in S348. For example, in the effect control microcomputer 101, when one special figure hold is exhausted in the state shown in FIG. 6 (A), as shown in FIG. 6 (B), the most of the four hold image HGs. The old leftmost book hold image HG is erased, and the remaining three book hold image HGs are shifted to the left. Further, the effect control microcomputer 101 shifts the four temporary hold image KGs being displayed to the left in accordance with the movement of the hold image HG, and a new temporary hold image KG is placed at the right end of the temporary hold image display area DE1. Display and subtract the number of remaining residence number images SG by 2. As a result, it is possible to display the special figure hold at the time of digestion.

Further, when the effect control microcomputer 101 detects that a new game ball has entered the game ball passage 300 by the approach sensor 315 (FIG. 4), the display that increases the temporary hold image KG and the remaining stay number image SG. Execute the process. Further, in the example shown in FIG. 6, the case where the remaining staying number image SG is 1 or more, that is, the case where the total number of balls held and stayed exceeds the upper limit number (for example, 8) has been described. , The display can be performed in the same manner even when the total number of balls is less than or equal to the upper limit. For example, as shown in FIG. 27 (A), when the total number of balls of the game control microcomputer 61 is 6 (3 for the main hold image HG and 3 for the temporary hold image KG), the remaining stay number image. A number of zero may be displayed as SG. Then, when the game control microcomputer 61 receives the first hold command, the temporary hold image KG at the left end may be changed to the main hold image HG (see the arrow in FIG. 27 (A)).

Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 27 (B), the game control microcomputer 61 does not have to display the remaining remaining number image SG when the total number of balls held and the total number of stays does not exceed the upper limit. Then, the game control microcomputer 61 receives the second hold command in a state of hiding the remaining stay number image SG in FIG. 27 (B), and at the timing of increasing the main hold image HG, the remaining stay number image SG May be started (FIG. 27 (C)).

[Effect of Embodiment]
(1) The pachinko gaming machine 1 of the above-described embodiment includes a first starting port 401 and a second starting port 402 (an example of a ball entering means) into which a game ball flowing down the game area 3 can enter. The game control microcomputer 61 determines whether or not to give a privilege advantageous to the player based on the fact that the game ball enters the first starting port 401 or the like. Further, the game ball passage 300 has an entrance 302 and an outlet 316a through which the game ball can enter. The game control microcomputer 61 determines whether or not the game ball discharged from the discharge port 316a has entered the first start port 401 or the like based on the reference time T1 and the detection result of the discharge sensor 317. (Fig. 18). The effect control microcomputer 101 notifies the number of reserved balls (the number of main reserved image HG) and the number of stays (the number of temporary hold image KG and the number of remaining stayed images SG) based on the determination result of the game control microcomputer 61. To do.

According to this, even if the game ball stays in the game ball passage 300 for an irregular time, the game ball is discharged from the discharge member 316 and is synchronized with the situation of whether or not the ball has entered the first starting port 401 or the like. The reserved image HG and the like can be displayed. Since it is possible to enjoy a game that is not available in conventional pachinko gaming machines, such as displaying a hold image linked to the number of game balls staying in the game ball passage 300, it is possible to enhance the interest of the game.

(2) Further, the effect control microcomputer 101 is based on the fact that the game control microcomputer 61 determines that the game ball discharged from the discharge port 316a has entered the first start port 401 or the like (S81). : Yes), the number of remaining retained images SG and the number of temporarily reserved images KG are reduced by one, and the number of main reserved images HG is increased by one (FIG. 6 (C)). It is possible to enhance the interest of the game by performing an unprecedented effect that the temporary hold image KG is changed to the main hold image HG.

(3) Further, the effect control microcomputer 101 is based on the determination by the game control microcomputer 61 that a game ball other than the game ball discharged from the discharge port 316a has entered the first start port 401 or the like. (S83: Yes), the reserved image HG is increased by one without reducing the number of stays. As a result, even if there is a ball entering other than from the discharge port 316a, the number of stays can be synchronized with the displayed image.

(4) Further, the effect control microcomputer 101 is based on the determination by the game control microcomputer 61 that a game ball other than the game ball discharged from the discharge port 316a has entered the first start port 401 or the like. Therefore, the position of the temporary hold image KG is shifted to the right and displayed by increasing the number of the main hold image HG by one and increasing the number of the main hold image HG by one. As a result, even if there is a ball entering other than from the discharge port 316a, the display can be performed while maintaining the relative position between the main hold image HG and the temporary hold image KG.

(5) Further, when the game control microcomputer 61 has an incoming ball other than from the discharge port 316a and the main reserved image HG is increased by one and the temporary reserved image KG is decreased by one, the remaining number of remaining images SG is reduced by one. Increase (Fig. 6 (D)). As a result, when there is a ball entering other than from the discharge port 316a, the main hold image HG, the temporary hold image KG, and the remaining stay number image SG can be displayed in conjunction with each other.

(6) Further, when the effect control microcomputer 101 does not enter the game ball even after the reference time T1 has elapsed after detecting that the game ball has been discharged from the discharge port 316a (S87: Yes). The temporary hold image KG and the remaining number of remaining images SG are reduced by one without reducing the main hold image HG (FIG. 6 (E)). As a result, when the game ball discharged from the discharge port 316a does not enter the first start port 401 or the second start port 402, only the decrease in the number of stays can be reflected in the image display.

(7) Further, when the game ball is inserted by the game control microcomputer 61 from the detection that the game ball is discharged from the discharge port 316a to the elapse of the reference time T1, the discharge port 316a It is determined that the game ball discharged from the ball has entered (FIG. 20). As a result, it is possible to determine whether or not the game ball has entered the first starting port 401 or the like based on the reference time T1.

(8) Further, the game control microcomputer 61 executes the determination at the timings TM1 and TM2 when the game ball enters the first starting port 401 and the like (FIG. 20). As a result, it is possible to quickly determine whether or not the game ball discharged from the discharge member 316 has entered.

(9) Further, the first start port 401 and the second start port 402 are arranged in the discharge direction 318 of the game ball discharged from the discharge port 316a. The reference time T1 is a time measured in advance from the time when the game ball is discharged from the discharge port 316a to the time when the game ball flows down along the discharge direction 318 and then enters the first starting port 401 or the like ( 19 and 20). As a result, by setting the reference time T1 in advance, it is possible to more accurately determine whether or not the game ball discharged from the discharge port 316a has entered the first start port 401 or the like.

(10) Further, the game area 3 is a flow path of a plurality of game nails 14 for changing the flow direction of the game ball and a game ball flowing down from the discharge port 316a to the first start port 401 along the discharge direction 318. It also has a nailless area 319 in which the game nail 14 is not provided (FIG. 5 (A)). If the game ball hits the game nail 14 and the flow direction is changed after being discharged from the discharge port 316a, it becomes difficult to specify the reference time T1. That is, it becomes difficult to determine whether or not the game ball discharged from the discharge port 316a has entered the first starting port 401. On the other hand, by providing the nailless region 319, the game ball can enter the first starting port 401 or the like in the same time as possible. That is, it is possible to accurately determine whether or not the game ball discharged from the discharge port 316a has entered the first starting port 401.

(11) Further, according to the pachinko gaming machine 1 of the above-described embodiment, it is possible to enjoy a production that is not available in the conventional pachinko gaming machine, in which the game is always played only by right-handed striking. Can be enhanced.
(12) Further, according to the pachinko gaming machine 1 of the above-described embodiment, the probability (big hit probability) that the game control microcomputer 61 determines as a big hit in the big hit determination does not change according to the gaming state, that is, the probability. Since it is possible to enjoy a production that is not provided in the conventional pachinko gaming machine because it does not have a variable function, it is possible to enhance the interest of the game.
(13) Further, according to the pachinko gaming machine 1 of the above-described embodiment, the variation time of the special symbol is in a gaming state in which the predetermined gaming condition is satisfied rather than in the gaming state in which the predetermined gaming condition is not satisfied. Since it is possible to enjoy a game that is not provided in a conventional pachinko gaming machine, which is not equipped with a function of shortening the speed, that is, a so-called time saving function, it is possible to enhance the interest of the game.
(14) Further, according to the pachinko gaming machine 1 of the above-described embodiment, a normal symbol display device that fluctuates and displays a normal symbol based on the fact that the game ball passes through a gate arranged on the game board, and the normal symbol. Since the display device does not have an ordinary electric accessory (electric chew) that opens and closes when the hit ordinary symbol is stopped and displayed, it is possible to enjoy a game that was not available in conventional pachinko gaming machines. It can enhance the interest.

<Other Embodiments>
In the pachinko gaming machine 1 of the above-described embodiment, the main hold image HG and the temporary hold image KG are displayed so as not to overlap in the vertical direction, but may be displayed so as to overlap. For example, the left end of the hold image HG may be aligned with the left end of the temporary hold image KG, and the temporary hold image KG may be displayed directly above the hold image HG.
Further, when the total of the number of reserved balls and the number of stays exceeds the upper limit value, the excess number is displayed as the number of remaining stays (remaining stay number image SG), but the remaining stay number image SG does not have to be displayed. For example, the temporary hold image KG may be used to display all the staying numbers without setting the upper limit.
Further, in the above embodiment, the game control microcomputer 61 executes the hold temporary hold process, but the effect control microcomputer 101 may execute the hold temporary hold process. For example, the effect control microcomputer 101 may determine whether or not the game ball discharged from the discharge port 316a has entered the first start port 401 or the like. Similarly, the effect control microcomputer 101 may determine whether or not a game ball other than the game ball discharged from the discharge port 316a has entered the first start port 401 or the like.
Further, the game control microcomputer 61 executes determination of whether or not the game ball discharged from the discharge port 316a has entered the first start port 401 or the like at a timing other than the timing when the ball has entered the first start port 401 or the like. You may.
Further, the distribution device 400 does not have to be arranged in the discharge direction 318 of the game ball discharged from the discharge port 316a. For example, the distribution device 400 may be arranged at a position shifted to the left or right from the discharge direction 318.
Further, the game nail 14 may be provided in a region along the discharge direction 318 between the discharge port 316a and the ball entry port 407. For example, the game nail 14 may be provided in the nailless area 319. Further, for example, the game nail 14 may be provided so as to guide the ball to the entry port 407 arranged at a position shifted to the left from the discharge direction 318.

Further, the method of notifying the number of holds and the number of stays is not limited to the method of displaying an image such as the present hold image HG or the temporary hold image KG, but may be a method of turning on a hold lamp or the like.
Further, the gaming machine of the present application may be provided with a high probability state (so-called probability fluctuation state) in which the jackpot probability determined to be a jackpot in the jackpot determination is higher than usual.
Further, the gaming machine of the present application may be provided with a time saving function in which the fluctuation time of the special symbol is shortened.
Further, the gaming machine of the present application is provided with a normal symbol display and a normal electric accessory (electric chew), and by frequently opening the ordinary electric accessory (electric chew), the decrease in the number of balls held is suppressed, so-called electric power. It may have a support function.

[Invention disclosed in the present specification]
The following inventions are disclosed in the above-described embodiments. In the following description, the names and expressions of the corresponding configurations in the embodiments and the reference numerals used in the drawings are added in parentheses for reference. However, the components of each invention are not limited to this appendix.

(Invention A)
The ball entry means (401, 402) through which the game ball (P) flowing down the game area (3) can enter, and
A privilege granting determination means (61) for determining whether or not to grant a privilege advantageous to the player based on the game ball entering the ball entry means, and
It has an entrance (302) through which a game ball flowing down the game area can enter, and an discharge port (316a) through which the game ball entering from the entrance is discharged, and passes from the entrance to the discharge port. A retention means (300) for retaining the game ball and
A detection means (317) for detecting the game ball discharged from the discharge port, and
Based on the reference time (T1), which is the reference time from the discharge of the game ball from the discharge port to the entry of the game ball into the ball entry means, and the detection result of the detection means, the ball is ejected from the discharge port. A game ball determination means (61) for determining whether or not the discharged game ball has entered the ball entry means, and
The number of reserved balls, which is the number of game balls that have entered the ball entry means and the determination result by the privilege grant determination means has not been notified, and the number of staying balls, which is the number of game balls that are staying in the retention means. Is notified based on the determination result of the game ball determination means (7, 101), and
A gaming machine (1).

According to the present invention, it is determined whether or not the game ball that has passed through the retention means and is discharged from the discharge port has entered the ball entry means. Then, based on the determination result, the number of reserved balls and the number of staying balls are notified. For this reason, it is possible to entertain the player with a game that has not been available in the conventional gaming machine, and it is possible to enhance the interest of the game.

(Invention B)
The notification means is
Based on the determination by the game ball determination means that the game ball discharged from the discharge port has entered the ball entry means, the number of staying balls is reduced by one to reduce the number of reserved balls to one. The gaming machine according to the invention A, which is increased by one.

It is possible to enhance the interest of the game by performing an unprecedented effect that the temporary hold (KG) is changed to the main hold (HG).

(Invention C)
A second detecting means (401a, 402a) for detecting a game ball entering the ball entering means is provided.
Whether or not a game ball other than the game ball discharged from the discharge port has entered the ball entry means based on the reference time, the detection result of the detection means, and the detection result of the second detection means. A second game ball determination means (61) for determining
The notification means is
Based on the determination by the second game ball determination means that a game ball other than the game ball discharged from the discharge port has entered the ball entry means, the hold is performed without reducing the number of stays. The gaming machine according to invention A or invention B, which increases the number of balls by one.

As a result, even if there is a ball entering other than from the discharge port (316a), the number of stays and the notification result can be synchronized.

(Invention D)
The notification means is
The same number of reserved images (HG) as the number of reserved balls and the number of temporary reserved images (KG) based on the number of retained balls are displayed.
Based on the determination by the second game ball determination means that a game ball other than the game ball discharged from the discharge port has entered the ball entry means, the number of the reserved images is increased by one. The gaming machine according to the invention C, which shifts the position of the temporarily held image by the amount obtained by increasing the held image by one.

As a result, even if there is a ball entering other than from the discharge port (316a), the display can be performed while maintaining the relative position between the reserved image (HG) and the temporary reserved image (KG).

(Invention E)
The notification means is
When the total number of the reserved image and the temporary reserved image exceeds a predetermined upper limit number, the number obtained by subtracting the upper limit number from the total number is notified as the remaining staying number.
Based on the determination by the second game ball determination means that a game ball other than the game ball discharged from the discharge port has entered the ball entry means, the hold image is increased by one and the temporary hold is performed. The gaming machine according to invention D, wherein when the number of images is reduced by one, the number of remaining stays is increased by one.

As a result, when there is an incoming ball other than from the discharge port (316a), the hold image (HG), the temporary hold image (KG), and the remaining number of stays can be notified in conjunction with each other.

(Invention F)
The notification means is
If the game ball is not inserted into the ball entry means even after the reference time has elapsed after detecting that the game ball has been discharged from the discharge port by the detection means, the number of reserved balls is not reduced. The gaming machine according to any one of Inventions A to E, which reduces the number of stays by one.

As a result, when the game ball discharged from the discharge port (316a) does not enter the ball entry means (401, 402), only the decrease in the number of stays can be reflected in the notification result.

(Invention G)
The game ball determination means
When a game ball is inserted into the ball entry means by the time when the reference time elapses after the detection means detects that the game ball has been discharged from the discharge port, the ball is discharged from the discharge port. The gaming machine according to any one of Inventions A to F, which determines that the gaming ball has entered the ball entry means.

As a result, it is possible to determine whether or not the game ball has entered the ball entry means based on the reference time (T1).

(Invention H)
The game ball determination means
Inventions A to G, which determine whether or not a game ball discharged from the discharge port has entered the ball entry means at the timing (TM1, TM2) when the game ball enters the ball entry means. The gaming machine according to any one of the above items.

As a result, it is possible to quickly determine whether or not the game ball discharged from the discharge port has entered.

(Invention I)
The ball entry means
It is arranged in the discharge direction (318) of the game ball discharged from the discharge port of the retention means.
The reference time is
Any of Invention A to Invention B, which is the time measured in advance from the time when the game ball is discharged from the discharge port to the time when the game ball flows down along the discharge direction and then enters the ball entry means. The gaming machine described in item 1.

As a result, by setting the reference time in advance, it is possible to more accurately determine whether or not the game ball discharged from the discharge port has entered the ball entry means.

(Invention J)
The game area is
Multiple game nails (14) that change the flow direction of the game ball,
A nailless region (319) in which the game ball flows down from the discharge port to the ball entry means along the discharge direction and the game nail is not provided.
The gaming machine according to the invention I.

If the game ball hits the game nail (14) and the flow direction is changed after being discharged from the discharge port, it becomes difficult to specify the reference time. That is, it becomes difficult to determine whether or not the game ball discharged from the discharge port has entered the ball entry means. On the other hand, by providing the nailless area (319), the game ball can be entered into the ball entry means at the same time as possible. That is, it is possible to accurately determine whether or not the game ball discharged from the discharge port has entered the ball entry means.

1 Pachinko game machine 3 Game area 7 Production display device (notification means)
14 Game nail 61 Game control microcomputer (privilege grant determination means, game ball determination means, second game ball determination means)
101 Production control microcomputer (notification means)
300 game ball passage (retention means)
302 Entrance 316a Discharge port 317 Discharge sensor (detection means)
318 Discharge direction 319 Nailless area 401 1st starting port (ball entry means)
401a First start port sensor (second detection means)
402 Second starting port (ball entry means)
402a Second start port sensor (second detection means)
HG book hold image (hold image)
KG Temporary hold image SG Remaining number image P Game ball TM1, TM2 Timing

Claims (1)

A ball entry means that allows a game ball flowing down the game area to enter,
A privilege granting determination means for determining whether or not to grant a privilege advantageous to the player based on the game ball entering the ball entry means.
The privilege grant result notification means for notifying the determination result of the privilege grant determination means, and the privilege grant result notification means.
It has an entrance where a game ball flowing down the game area can enter, and a discharge port where a game ball entered from the entrance is discharged, and stays the game ball passing from the entrance to the discharge port. Retention means to make
A detection means for detecting the game ball discharged from the discharge port, and
The game ball was discharged from the discharge port based on the reference time, which is the reference time from the discharge of the game ball from the discharge port to the ball entering the ball entry means, and the detection result of the detection means. A game ball determination means for determining whether or not the game ball has entered the ball entry means, and
The number of reserved balls, which is the number of game balls that have entered the ball entry means and the determination result by the privilege grant determination means has not been notified, and the number of staying balls, which is the number of game balls that are staying in the retention means. Is notified based on the determination result of the game ball determination means, and
A gaming machine equipped with.

Images